Barney Blasko

Barney T. Blasko (Bernard T Blaschko) Barney, a longtime Bonner County resident, passed away June 6 in Sandpoint, ID. He was 95 years and 11 months old. Services will be held at Coffelt Funeral Home on Friday, June 14 at 2 p.m. with Pastor Barry Johnson of New Song Bible Church officiating. Refreshments will be served at the VFW hall following services. Barney remained sharp, mentally alert and always interested in what each family member was doing. He closely followed local and national news and happily told hunting and interesting stories to the end of his life. Barney was an honest, hard-working man. To know him was to respect him. Barney was born the middle child to Thomas and Anna (Macek) Blaschko in Ravenna, Neb., July 5, 1917. His early years were devoted to helping his dad on the farm, honing his hunting and fishing skills with his sister Marguerite always at his side. Also while growing up, he played baseball and learned how to provide and take care of himself and others. Prior to enlisting in the service, Barney worked in the sugar beet fields, earning a quarter for each ton of shoveled beets. He would then spend that day’s earnings on supper to sustain himself for the next day. In 1937, Barney enlisted in the Army/Air Corps, serving two tours in WWII. He worked as head chef in the officers’ medical unit while stationed in Panama. After his honorable discharge in 1945, he owned and operated two restaurants in Puyallup, Wash. Barney then spent a short time working for Armor Meats and the Shack Restaurant in Spokane before moving to Sandpoint in 1952 to cook for his sister Marguerite Olson, who managed the Kaniksu restaurant. After acquiring half ownership of the 219 Lounge and developing many lasting friendships, Barney found much to enjoy in this area. In 1957, Barney married Lois Parenteau in Hope, Idaho. Together, they established the Blasko Charolais Ranch near Samuels. He eventually sold his interest in the 219 Club and spent the rest of his life ranching with his wife and two daughters Teri and Breta. Besides farming, Barney enjoyed flying his Cessna airplane, picking huckleberries (secret place), tending his huge gardens and fishing at Koocanusa and other mountain lakes. Overnight outings and the extended annual elk-hunting trips at Avery, ID with Barney’s hunting buddies for 50 years included setting up an elaborate “kitchen” in preparation for his wonderful food. He also held a special place in his heart for the many fine horses, mules, and cattle dogs that provided companionship, helped lighten the burden of farming, and enhanced his enjoyment of back-country trips. Barney had a lifelong love for baseball. He played on teams at Ravenna, Neb., Puyallup, and Sandpoint. During his military service, he also played on the U.S. Army’s flying-ball team, which traveled on bombers to their games. After retiring from playing baseball, he remained a steadfast Seattle Mariners fan. Barney was also a past member of the Idaho Cattlemen’s Assoc. and the Elks Club. He supported many veteran organizations and other worthy causes. Survivors include Lois, his wife of 55 years; daughter Breta (Steve) Palmer of Whitefish, Mont.; daughter Teri Yarger (Mike Creegan) of Hope, Idaho; and his 94-year-old sister Marguerite Olson of Rockford, Wash. His grandchildren include Morgan Yarger; Nick (Kim) Palmer and Jackson Palmer. Also surviving are a sister-in-law, LaVerle (Ron) Moultrie; brother-in-law Bill (Diane) Parenteau, and Leonard (Yvonne) Parenteau, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister Alice Heider of Davenport, Iowa, and his parents. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Barney’s name to the War Memorial Stadium fund: Friends of Memorial Field P.O. Box 2524, Sandpoint, ID 83864 http://friendsofmemorialfield.org/