Werner Joseph “Toby” Blaser, 91, passed away Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, at Sharon Care Center in Centralia, Wash.
He was born in Chehalis, May 24, 1926, to Leopold and Elizabeth (Marchy) Blaser. Werner attended St. Joseph School and Chehalis High School.
In 1945, Werner joined the United States Navy and served during World War II on the aircraft carrier, USS Wasp (CV-18). He married Bette Jo Guenther, Aug. 16, 1952. The Blaser family lived in Chehalis, where they ran a farm and family business along with brothers, Charlie and Fritz. The business, Blaser Brothers Midway Dairy, delivered milk products to homes, stores and schools all over Lewis County for many years.
While playing clarinet and saxophone, Werner played swiss music with various musicians up and down the coast, including sons, Joe and Don and daughter, Julie. His band, Kapelle Werner Blaser, performed in Switzerland on many occasions. In his spare time, Werner loved to play cards, go to Husky games, fitness and travel to Switzerland.
He was a member of the Elks, Eagles, Moose and Legion Clubs. Werner was a member of the Swiss Sportsman's Club, Tacoma Swiss Society and Lewis Pacific Swiss Society, where he was a past president.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Bette Jo; sons, Joe (Kim) and Don (Loretta); daughter, Julie Blaser Calkins; grandchildren, Louie (Casey), Andy (Erin), Joe Jr. Hayden, Valerie Ocker, Johnny, Cadie Blaser, Brady and Delanie Calkins; great-grandchildren, Leo Blaser, Fletcher Blaser and one on the way.
Werner was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Elizabeth; brothers, Leo, Charlie and Fritz; sisters, Francis, Elsie Spahr, Magaret and Mary Ann Portmann; son, Doug Blaser.
A Rosary will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, at Sticklin Funeral Chapel in Centralia. A Funeral Mass will be held, 11 a.m., Friday, November 17, 2017, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Chehalis, followed by a graveside service at Claquato Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Jester Auto Museum, 321 Hamilton Rd, Chehalis. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: The Doug Blaser Scholarship Fund, c/o Don Blaser, 1105 Fieldcrest Ave., Centralia, WA 98531.
