Donald C. Blaser's Obituary
Donald C. Blaser 92 of Honolulu passed away at Arcadia on September 11,2023
Don was born May 6, 1931 to Minnie Lemp and Hector Blaser in rural Platte County
Nebraska a short time after his twin brother Ronald. He attended elementary and high school locally. Don went on to Trinity Seminary and Bible College in Chicago where he earned an AA degree in 1953, He received his B.A. in Education in 1954 at Nebraska State College at Wayne and a MA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1959.
From 1955 through 1965 Don held a number of teaching and Counselor positions in Nebraska, South Dakota and Ohio. During this period he also served in the US Army. In 1965 he moved to Hawaii where he worked at the University of Hawaii as a Housing Administrator. He retired from this position in May of 1986.
In the almost 60 years that he lived in Hawaii Don participated in a variety of athletic and music activities. An active athlete, he was member of the Hawaii Trail and Mountain Club and every Sunday hiked one of the many trails in Hawaii. He also climbed Pikes Peak in Colorado. While not his favorite activity, he was a participant in the Honolulu Marathon held annually.
His first love was music and theater. While in college he was in a number of plays mostly musicals, and took part in a traveling road company. Don said his most exciting venture was as a member of the chorus in the Honolulu Opera Theater. He favorited opera was La Boheme. Don also enjoyed being a member of the University of Hawaii’s Music Department’s choral group. He lived the last 10 years of his life in Arcadia where he was a active participant in their annual “Follies" among other activities. When not in Hawaii, Don back packed through out Europe, toured Japan and visited other Asian nations.
Don made an annual trip to Nebraska to maintain ties with his family. However, during his 60 years in Hawaii he became an adopted member of a number of families. His absence the empty chair at the holiday table will prompt us to to remember him and to tell “DONALD STORIES”.
If there is one term that highlights Don’s character it is “CAREGIVER" As a professional teacher, counselor and housing administrator he was truly someone people went to when they had issues. Personally, he assisted a number of friends in their aging and passing. They relied on him and he gave of his time and energy. He also volunteered in the community to help those in need because of poor health.
Don was a long-term member of the First Christian Church of Honolulu. His religious beliefs were personal and deep seated. He was a licensed Pastor and did spend some time earlier in life as a volunteer rural pastor.
His ashes will be buried in the family plot in Grueti Cemetery in Monroe, Nebraska preceded by a memorial service at St. Luke’s United Church of Christ in Columbus. He was predeceased by his parents Minnie and Hector, his siblings and their spouses: Fred (Donna) Blaser, Harold (Carol) Blaser, Ronald (Helen) Blaser and sister, Shirley (Erdie) Erdman.
He is survived by numerous nephews and nieces and their children.
What’s your fondest memory of Donald?
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Share a story where Donald's kindness touched your heart.
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