Russell W. Blaser

Russell W. Blaser, 89, of Dover, Ohio died Sunday, August 25, 2002 in Aultman Hospital following a brief illness.

Russ retired in 1975 from the Dover Post Office where he worked for 35 years.

Born July 1, 1913 in Dover, he was the son of the late William and Anna Egler Blaser.

He was a member of the St. John�(TM)s United Church of Christ at Dover where he was a former Sunday Schoolteacher, Choir and handbell choir member and had served as chairman of the music committee. He also was a musician and former member of the Dominic Greco Memorial band. He played the clarinet, saxophone, piano and organ. He played for his church in Florida when they resided there. Russ was a member of the NARFE, former member of the Musicians Union #404, and served in the US Army during World War II where he was stationed in New Guinea and Manila. He received the American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Ribbon and a Bronze Star.

Russ is survived by his wife Arline Everhart Blaser with whom he celebrated 65 years of marriage on June 17.

He is also survived by a son Richard (Marilyn) Blaser of Niagara Falls, NY, a daughter, Mary Ann (Joe) Dillon of Westerville, Ohio; a sister, Alice Blaser of Euclid; and three grandchildren, David (Amanda) Blaser, Jillian (Phillip) Truesdale, and Russell Blaser.

He was preceded in death by a son, Billy Blaser and a brother, Donald Blaser.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday at 1:30 pm in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home at Dover with Pastor Amy Joy Prather officiating. Interment will be in the Dover Burial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 4- 7:30 pm. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Russ may sign the online register book by visiting the “online obituaries” link on our website at www.tolandherzig.com

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. John�(TM)s United Church of Christ (Organ Fund) in Dover or one�(TM)s favorite charity.