Neal Blaas

Neal Alvin Blaas was born to Alvin Blaas and Pauline (Chappell) Blaas on March 11, 1942. On September 18, 2024, Neal heard God say "Well done, good and faithful servant".

Neal attended Immanuel Lutheran Parochial School through 8th grade. He graduated from Somers High School in 1961. On August 4, 1962, he married the love of his life Karen Rose Hanson. They were married for 62 years. Neal was a farmer for the majority of his life. He loved working the land, keeping the machinery up and raising pigs. At the age of 57 Neal began a new career as a correctional officer where he also excelled. Neal and Karen were blessed with 3 daughters, Michelle (Tim) DeCoursey, Teresa (Bryan) Daum and Heidi Mills. He was an amazing PaPa to Bailey DeCoursey (Kiefer Hock), Maxwell DeCoursey, Shelby (Dylan) Sawyer, Kylee Daum (Ramsey Fowler), Tanner Mills and Emma Mills. As well as a Great PaPa to Everly Sawyer and Kipton Sawyer. He will also be missed by his sister Linda (Bill) Haeder of Lincoln NE and sister-in-law Lorraine Blaas of Fort Worth TX.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Noel.

Neal enjoyed spending time with his family most of all. He would tell anyone who would or wouldn't listen how extremely proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren he was. Being a jokester was his part time job, with his dry sense of humor he entertained anyone he was around. When you asked him "how are you?" he always responded, "I'm good til I get caught." When asking him if he needed anything, he'd say "just a black label whiskey." The holidays and summers were his favorite times when everyone would be together on the farm all in one house sleeping on top of each other. But isn't that what family is about?

He was also a master Woodworker. His creations were unmatched. As with everything he demanded perfection and quality in his works. His toy and gift making were unmatched. He carefully chose each type of wood and labored for hours to create just the right pieces.

Neal attended Immanuel Lutheran Church all his life. He loved the Lord from a very young age. He once wrote the pastor that he wanted to be like him or be a missionary and tell everyone about Jesus. He held many positions at the church over the years. He taught bible study and was a delegate for Lutheran Laymen League for several years. He had a wonderful voice and was a bass in the choir. He and Karen passed the love of singing to their girls as they all joined the choir.

He will be missed by many but his legacy lives on in each of us. There will be a visitation and memorial Monday, September 23, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Rockwell City Iowa. Visitation will start at 10:00 AM with the memorial service beginning at 11:00 AM and burial to follow in Rosehill Cemetery, Rockwell City.

The family asked that donations be made to the charity of your choice. Laufersweiler's Palmer-Swank is serving the family.