Obit: Blazek, Beth Edith (1929 - 2018)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Baumgardner, Blazek, Conrad, Landry, Pauley, Peake, Sunday, Swada

----Source: The Ladysmith News (Ladysmith, WI) 5/10/2018

Blazek, Beth Edith (Conrad) (31 MAY 1929 - 8 MAY 2018)

On May 8, 2018, with her family by her side, Beth Edith (Conrad) Blazek went to be with the Lord after a brave struggle with Dimentia. Beth was a patient at Ladysmith Care & Rehab Center, where they cared for her vigilantly.

Beth was born on May 31, 1929 to Neil and Laura (Webb) Conrad in Cadott after six years of marriage. Every two years Beth was blessed with 3 more siblings; Neil, Jane and Earl.

Beth met Richard I. Blazek when she was 16 at the Liner Tavern, which was a local hangout for cards and socializing at the time. She did not like him at all. Two years later their paths crossed again, and things were different. They were married soon after.

They tried to elope but didn’t know where to go so they had a small family wedding on Sept. 18, 1948 at the pastor’s home in Cadott. They were married for 51 years and had many adventures until Richard died on Oct. 11, 1999.

Beth leaves behind their only child, Karen (Blazek) Swada and son in law Mike Swada of Bruce. They were a small tight knit family. Beth was graced with three grandchildren, Michelle (Swada) and Troy Sunday of Hayward, Richard and Danielle (Baumgardner) Swada of Huntington, Indiana and Walter and April (Pauley) Swada of Bruce.

They were blessed with eight great-grandchildren, Myrriah (Sunday) and Ethan Peake of Stone Lake; Deanna Sunday, Caleb Sunday and Hannah Sunday all of Hayward, Gage Swada and Chelsea Swada of Huntington; and Bradley and Kaylee (Landry) Pauley and Andrew Swada all of Bruce. She was blessed to meet four great-great-grandchildren, Carter Peake, Oakley, Remington and Hunter Pauley.

Beth was a licensed power sewing machine operator and loved to sew. She spent her time cutting out and sewing many doll clothes from Barbie dolls to custom made outfits for special requests. She made clothes for the “Dress a Doll” contest at the Pioneer Bank and won first place on several occasions. She sewed quilts and made most of her own clothes and Karen’s until she left home. She enjoyed gardening, canning, crocheting afghans, and loved to read any and all types of books and magazines.

Beth and Dick owner and operated a semi truck for many years, giving Beth the opportunity to travel to all but three states, Maine, Alaska and Hawaii. They lived in Denver, Colo. for seven years and then returned to the Bruce area. They then purchased land south of Bruce on Sawdust Road. In 1969, they purchased a farm north of Bruce where they stayed for the rest of their years.
Beth was preceded in death by her husband Richard, siblings Neil, Earl and Jane (in order of their passing) and her parents, Laura and Neil Conrad.

A catered celebration of life will be held at the Bruce Park on June 24 from 1-5 p.m. All friends and family should come and bring their favorite stories of Beth. Arrangements are being handled by Chippewa Valley Cremation Services. Condolences can be sent through their website or to Karen Swada W11932 Sentinal Ash Road, Bruce, WI 54819.

Thank you to everyone for your kindness, thoughtfulness and support during this rough time. A very heartfelt thank you to the staff at Ladysmith Care and Rehab Center and Hope Hospice for all of your help and support through this dark valley making Mom’s passing easier for her family.