Person Page - 281

          Anna Blase, daughter of John Frederick Blase and Margaret "Maggie" Albers, was born after 1860.¹
     Anna married Bernard J. "Barney" Dierker, son of (?) Dierker and Bernardina Nassuman.¹ Anna Blase was buried on 16 June 1959 in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in St. Louis County, Missouri, section 6, lot 63.²

          William L. Blase, son of John Frederick Blase and Margaret "Maggie" Albers, was born in 1882 in Missouri.^1,2
     William married Louise M. E. Schrolle, daughter of (?) Schrolle and Barbara (?), in 1904.²
     William L. was a salesman in 1910.²
     Louise and William L. Blase lived in 1910 at 4181 Gravois Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri. Residing with them were, Louise's sister, Helen M. Schrolle, Louise's mother, Barbara Schrolle.²
     William is a head of household on the 1910 U. S. Census for ward 24, St. Louis, Missouri. He was identified as a 28-year-old man born in Missouri, his parents were born in Germany. He had been married for six years and was renting his home. Enumerated with him were: his wife, Louise M. E., his mother-in-law Barbara (?), his sister-in-law Helen M. Schrolle.²

          Bernard J. "Barney" Dierker, son of (?) Dierker and Bernardina Nassuman, was born in 1847 in Germany.^1,2,4
     Bernard married Anna Blase, daughter of John Frederick Blase and Margaret "Maggie" Albers.¹ Bernard J. "Barney" Dierker was the informant listed on the death certificate of Bernardina Nassuman on 27 June 1912.³ Bernard J. "Barney" Dierker was the informant listed on the death certificate of Fred Dierker on 15 July 1915.^4,2
     Bernard died in September 1927.² He was buried on 12 September 1927 in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in St. Louis County, Missouri, section 6, lot 63.²

          George J. Trautmann, son of Peter Trautmann and Marie Ott, was born on 23 November 1868 in Germany.^1,2
     George married Bertha Blase, daughter of John Frederick Blase and Margaret "Maggie" Albers, circa 1895.¹
     George J. was a meat cutter in 1929.² At the time of (an unknown value) in 1929, George and Bertha resided at 5251 Theodosia Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri.²
     George died on 8 November 1929 at Alexian Brothers Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, at age 60, Bertha Blase was the informant on the death certificate.² His cause of death was basilar menogitis of unknow idiology.²
     The undertaker who handled his arrangements was Wm Schumacher at 3013 Meramec Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri.² George J. Trautmann was buried on 11 November 1929 in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in St. Louis County, Missouri.²

          John Dierkes was born circa 1830 in Germany.¹
     John was a dairy farmer.¹
     John (his first marriage) married Julianna Bloom (her first marriage) circa 1850.¹ John Dierkes lived in Rock Springs, St. Louis County, Missouri.¹
     John died in 1877 the cause of death was a fall from wagon when horse bolted.¹

          Julianna Bloom was born circa 1830 in Missouri.^1,2
     Julianna (her first marriage)married John Dierkes (his first marriage) circa 1850.¹ Her husband, John Dierkes, died in 1877; the cause of death was a fall from wagon when horse bolted.¹
     Julianna (her second marriage)married George Haneklau circa 1880.¹

          Helena Dierkes, daughter of John Dierkes and Julianna Bloom, was born after 1871.¹
     Helena married (?) Krebs.¹

          Maggie Dierkes, daughter of John Dierkes and Julianna Bloom, was born after 1871.¹
     Maggie married (?) Bocka.¹

          Elizabeth Dierkes, daughter of John Dierkes and Julianna Bloom, was born after 1871.¹
     Elizabeth married (?) Sandboothe.¹

          Mary Dierkes, daughter of John Dierkes and Julianna Bloom, was born after 1871.¹
     Mary married (?) Trupka.¹

          Theresa Dierkes, daughter of John Dierkes and Julianna Bloom, was born after 1871.¹
     Theresa married (?) McCulloch.¹

          (?) Krebs was born after 1850.¹
     (?) married Helena Dierkes, daughter of John Dierkes and Julianna Bloom.¹

          Aloysia Nahm, daughter of Albert Nahm and May Potts, was born on 17 June 1905.
     Aloysia married Edward Frederick Blase, son of John Blase and Mathilda Theckla Dierkes, on 12 August 1924 at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Glendale, St. Louis County, Missouri. The marriage ceremony was performed by Reverend Father M. D. Collins. the witnesses were Jack O'Meara and Genevieve Gund.¹
     Aloysia died on 21 July 1994 at age 89. She was buried in St. Peter Catholic Cemetery in Kirkwood, St. Louis County, Missouri.²

Aloysia Blase Tombstone.³

          Alan Louis Castillon, son of Alfred Castillon and Charlotte Etienne, was born on 28 February 1908.¹
     Alan Louis Castillon The Castillon home was at Olive Road and Fee Fee Road, Fern Ridge, Missouri. Shortly before their marriage Alan Castillon became a Catholic. He was instructed and received into the Church by Father Leo Steck who later became the Bishop of Salt Lake City, Utah. Alan was baptized by Father Steck at St. Malachy's Church, St. Louis. circa December 1935.¹
     Alan married Florence M. Blase, daughter of John Blase and Mathilda Theckla Dierkes, on 13 January 1936 at St. Monica Catholic Church, Creve Coeur, St. Louis County, Missouri. The marriage ceremony was performed by Father John Hoeschen.¹
     Alan died on 28 March 1986 at age 78.¹ He was buried in March 1986 in St. Peter Catholic Cemetery in Kirkwood, St. Louis County, Missouri.²

Alan Louis Castillon Tombstone.³

          Veronica "Vera" Witte, daughter of Arnold Witte and Ann O'Loughlin, was born on 12 February 1894 in St. Louis, Missouri.^1,2 She was baptized circa March 1894 at St. Leo Catholic Church, Missouri.¹
     Veronica married John Joseph Blase Jr., son of John Blase and Mathilda Theckla Dierkes, on 10 July 1917 at Ursuline Convent Chapel, Arcadia, Iron County, Missouri. The marriage ceremony was performed by Reverend Ernst J. Blankemeier.¹
     Veronica died on 3 December 1974 at age 80.² She was buried in St. Peter Catholic Cemetery in Kirkwood, St. Louis County, Missouri.²

Veronica Blase Tombstone.²

     
     Camille married Arthur F. Berry circa 1934.¹

     
     Constance married Emil Vilcek.¹

          Arthur F. Berry was born on 29 August 1915.¹
     Arthur married Camille V. Blase, daughter of John Joseph Blase Jr. and Veronica "Vera" Witte, circa 1934.¹
     Arthur died on 9 October 1988 at age 73.¹

          Emil Vilcek was born circa 1910.¹
     Emil married Constance Blase, daughter of John Joseph Blase Jr. and Veronica "Vera" Witte.¹
     Emil Vilcek Emil worked at George F. Deutschmann, Inc., The Wayside Florist, for a time.¹

     Her Social Security Number was 493-38-0626.¹      Anna B. Blase, daughter of John Blase and Mathilda Theckla Dierkes, was born on 30 May 1893 in The Wedge, Maplewood, St. Louis County, Missouri.^1,2 She was baptized on 1 June 1893 at Church of St. Aloysius, Missouri.¹
     Anna B. Blase attended grade school at St. Michael's Grade School, Shrewsbury, St. Louis County, Missouri.¹
     Anna B. Blase attended grade school at St. Peter Grade School, Kirkwood, St. Louis County, Missouri.¹
     Anna married George Francis Deutschmann, son of George Deutschmann II and Anna Antonia Berg, on 14 October 1914 at St. Peter Catholic Church, Kirkwood, St. Louis County, Missouri. Reprint from newspaper Deutschmann-Blase Nuptials: "The marriage of Miss Anna Blase of Kirkwood to Mr. George F . Deutschmann of Des Peres took place Wednesday morning, October 14 at St. Peter's Church, Kirkwood, MO., at 9 o'clock at nuptial high mass. The ceremony was performed by Rev. B. G. Stemker. The bride was attended by Miss Mary Deutschmann, a sister of the bridegroom. John Blase, a brother of the bride, performed the duties of groomsman. Master Frank and Edward Blase, brothers of the bride, and Arthur Geders, a nephew of the bridegroom, and John McGrath were the acolytes. The bride was handsomely gowned in charmeuse satin and chiffon and carried a shower bouquet of valley, bride's roses and adiantum ferns. The bridesmaid wore a pink chiffon drew over white net and carried a bouquet of maid's roses and adiantum ferns. Sister Athanasia's choir sang the nuptial high mass. After the ceremony a large reception took place at the bride's home on Manchester Road. The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Blase, formerly of Maplewood. Mr. John Blase erected the Wedge saloon at the junction of the Old and New Manchester Roads, which was one of the first business places of Maplewood. His health failing , he moved to Kirkwood several years ago and now is engaged in the gardening business. The bridegroom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. George Deutschmann, a prosperous farmer of Des Peres, where he has in recent years placed his sons in the flower business. The bridegroom is a great lover of music, and for the last few years has been playing for most of the prominent picnics, dances and receptions in the western part of the county. The church and house were beautifully decorated for the occasion. Mr. and Mrs. Deutschmann will be at home to their friends after November.¹
     Anna B. Blase and George Francis Deutschmann After their marriage George and Anna lived in the east wing of the Deutschmann homestead house in Des Peres. They remodeled the 4 room house across the driveway from the homestead and later joined it across the driveway to the homestead house, creating one of the largest homes in Des Peres. The home was later detatched, after George and Anna buil t a beautiful large brick home, and moved next to the east greenhouse.
In November 1925 George and Anna began construction of what eventually grew to become an 18 room mansion, complete wi th tile roof and marble fireplace. Of particular interest, the home contained a split level basement, wherein the lower basement became flower coolers for the florist business, which was originally operated from the upper level basement of the family home.¹
     Anna and George Francis Deutschmann lived in 1920 at Manchester Road in St. Louis County, Missouri. Residing with them were, their children George, Clarence, Anna and William.³
     Anna was enumerated as the wife of George Francis Deutschmann under the name of "Anna Deutschman" on the 1920 U.S. Census of Central Township, St. Louis County, Missouri, listed as a married 26-year-old female born in Missouri as were her parents.³
     Anna and George Francis Deutschmann lived in 1930 at Manchester Road in Des Peres, St. Louis County, Missouri. Residing with them were, their children Clarence, William, Dolores and Rosemary.⁴
     Anna was enumerated as the wife of George Francis Deutschmann under the name of "Anne Deutschmann" on the 1930 U. S. Census for Central Township, Des Peres, St. Louis County, Missouri. She was listed as a married 36-year-old female born in Missouri as were her parents. She could read and write and was married for the first time at the age of 22.⁴ At the time of George's death in 1954, George and Anna resided at 12123 Manchester Road in Des Peres, St. Louis County, Missouri.^2,5 Her husband, George Francis Deutschmann, died on 15 October 1954 at age 63. She was the informant on his death certificate.^6,7,5
     Anna died on 6 April 1974 in St. Louis County, Missouri, at age 80 of a Cerebral Hemorage.^1,8,7 Her obituary was published in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Newspaper on 7 April 1974.⁹ Her obituary stated:

⁹
     Her funeral service was held on 8 April 1974 at St. Peter Catholic Church, Missouri.⁹ She was buried on 8 April 1974 in St. Peter Catholic Cemetery in Kirkwood, St. Louis County, Missouri, in section 6, lot 9.^1,10,9

Anna B. Deutschmann Tombstone.¹¹

     Anna B. Blase Her parents lived in Maplewood, Missouri, upstairs over a grocery and saloon. They operated a saloon and grocery store at the Wedge at Manchester Road and Southwest Avenue. The building was still standing in 1973.
Anna's father was very fond of her, and he often called her Toots; she helped him in the garden, cutting spinach before going to school in the morning. So he bought her a pony and buggy to ride to St. Peter's School.
Anna's parents moved from the Wedge in Maplewood about 1903 to a small farm (30 acres) located at Woodlawn Avenue and Manchester Road. Her father loved to work the soil, and Anna would always help him. Life remained the same as Anna and her mother shared the work as head of the house.
One of the many schoolmates that Anna met at St. Peter's was Mary Deutschmann. They made their first communion together. Anna would often visit with her friend Mary Deutschmann. It was through this friendship that she met George Deutschmann. This friendship developed into a courtship and later marriage.
George formed a band with his brothers and sisters, in St . Louis County. They furnished Music for All Occasions. Anna would go along to the dances when George was playing. They moved to George's parents' home in Des Peres, Missouri after they were married. George's father had built his son three greenhouses on five acres of his land.
After they were married, they lived in part of the old homestead; a little later, they moved into a remodeled small house, once a 'summer kitchen', across the driveway from the old home.
Anna still lives in the house that she and George built at 12123 Manchester Road and now attends St. Clement's Church.
Her husband George started out with one greenhouse and expanded continually to build a floral business that became a landmark on Manchester Road known as the Wayside Floral Company. At his death on Oct. 15, 1954 several of their sons took over the business which is still a thriving business in spite of the encroachment of the numerous commercial developments that dominate this area at the present time. Des Peres has now become a spectacular business area.
Anna, the widow of George F. Deutschmann, now 80 years of age still resides in the beautiful home at 12123 Manchester Road with her single daughter Helen affectionately called 'Muff'.
Anna Deutschmann is revered and esteemed by all who know her. She is truly the good neighbor to all who know her and are in need. Her devout Catholic life is an inspiration to her family and community. She often attends daily Mass and has always loved her Church. To put it briefly, we all say she is fantastic.^12,1

          John Blase, son of John Frederick Blase and Margaret "Maggie" Albers, was born on 1 July 1868 in St. Louis, Missouri.¹ He was baptized circa August 1868 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Missouri.¹
     John was truck farmer and store owner.¹
     John married Mathilda Theckla Dierkes, daughter of John Dierkes and Julianna Bloom, on 29 October 1889 at St. Francis De Sales Church, St. Louis, Missouri.¹
     John Blase He attended one room school at St. Anthony's Parish on Meramec Street where he probably only completed 4th grade.
First few years employed by others then in 1891 built a large two story building and opened a Grocery & Saloon business at the Wedge (now corner of Southwest & Manchester), the first business in Maplewood. (At this time Maplewood was open country with no electricity and poor roads).
Around 1903 he purchased a 30 acre farm and home at the corner of Woodlawn Avenue and Manchester Road.
In about 1918 he purchased the Westwood Grocery at 424 Sappington Road, Glendale, Missouri.
Some time later he leased the 'Eleven Mile House' at the southwest corner of Woodlawn and Manchester which he operated in conjunction with his truck farm.¹
     John was a grocery storekeeper in 1930.²
     Mathilda and John Blase lived in 1930 at 130 Monroe Avenue in Kirkwood, St. Louis County, Missouri. Residing with them were, their children Francis and Florence.²
     John is a head of household on the 1930 U. S. Census for Kirkwood, St. Louis County, Missouri, listed as a married 61-year-old male born in Missouri. His father was born in Germany and his mother in Missouri. He was a grocery storekeeper and owned a residence valued at $10,000.00. He owned a radio. Enumerated with him were:, his mother Mathilda Theckla, his sister Florence M., his brothers Francis Henry.²
     John died on 24 August 1953 at age 85. He was buried in St. Peter Catholic Cemetery in Kirkwood, St. Louis County, Missouri.³

John Blase Tombstone.³

          Mathilda Theckla Dierkes, daughter of John Dierkes and Julianna Bloom, was born on 4 September 1870 in Missouri.^1,2 She was baptized on 6 September 1870 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Missouri.¹
     Mathilda married John Blase, son of John Frederick Blase and Margaret "Maggie" Albers, on 29 October 1889 at St. Francis De Sales Church, St. Louis, Missouri.¹
     Mathilda Theckla Dierkes was a sponsor for George Bernard Deutschmann's baptism on 21 October 1915 at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Glendale, St. Louis County, Missouri.³
     Mathilda and John Blase lived in 1930 at 130 Monroe Avenue in Kirkwood, St. Louis County, Missouri. Residing with them were, their children Francis and Florence.²
     Mathilda was enumerated with her son, John Blase under the name of "Matilda Blase" on the 1930 U.S. Census at Kirkwood, St. Louis County, Missouri, listed as a married 59-year-old female born in Missouri. Her father was born in Germany and her mother in Missouri.²
     Mathilda died on 23 January 1951 at Deutschmann home in Des Peres, St. Louis County, Missouri, at age 80 of complications of senility.¹ She was buried in St. Peter Catholic Cemetery in Kirkwood, St. Louis County, Missouri.⁴

Mathilda Theckla Blase Tombstone.⁵

     Mathilda Theckla Dierkes Her parents lived on a dairy farm in St. Louis in the area known at that time as Rock Springs. St. Bernard Catholic Church was erected in 1874 in this same area.
The father of Helen, John Dierkes, died as a young man. Helen was about 7 or 8 years old at this time. After the death of Helen's father, John Dierkes, her mother, Julia, soon remarried. Her second husband was George Haneklau, an employee at the Dierkes Dairy Farm. With six children and the burden of managing the Dairy Farm, this seemed to be a wise decision at the time. Poor management and other circumstances soon brought an end to this business at Rock Springs.
The family (Haneklau) then settled on a small truck farm of about 5 acres in Maplewood, Missour at 7550 Rannells Avenue, just north of the present Maplewood High School. At the death of George Haneklau, it was divided into lots among the children.
On October 29, 1889, Helen Dierkes married John Blase at St . Francis De Sales Church, St. Louis, Missouri. About two years after their marriage, John and Helen Blase settled in what is now the city of Maplewood on the Wedge corner of Manchester Road and Southwest Avenue, they operated a store in a small building which later on was moved to the rear of the large lot. This building still stands.
In 1891, they erected a new 2 story building, known as 'The Wedge'. This was the first worthwhile business building in the town of Maplewood which at that time was open coun try - no electricity, horse cars, poor roads, etc.
Memorabilia: Helen Blase was a person of strong and firm character. She believed in strict discipline and order. She did not hesitate to use the rod when necessary. She was a hard working, devoted, Catholic wife and mother. She enjoyed company and friends and never tired of serving a good home-cooked meal. In brief, she was the guiding light of the entire fami ly.¹

     He was baptized circa March 1896 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Missouri, the sponsors included St. Aloysius Catholic Church (Argyle, MO).¹      John Joseph Blase Jr., son of John Blase and Mathilda Theckla Dierkes, was born on 3 March 1896 in The Wedge, Maplewood, St. Louis County, Missouri.^2,1
     John Joseph Blase Jr. attended grade school at St. Peter Grade School, Kirkwood, St. Louis County, Missouri. He completing the seventh grade.^3,1 At the time of time of his registration for the draft for World War I in 1917, John resided at Manchester Road in Kirkwood, St. Louis County, Missouri.² He was employed by John Blase, his father at Manchester Road, Missouri, in 1917 farming and gardening.² He registered for the draft for World War I on 5 June 1917 at draft board 1, St. Louis County, Missouri, he was listed as medium height and build with brown eyes and hair.²
     John married Veronica "Vera" Witte, daughter of Arnold Witte and Ann O'Loughlin, on 10 July 1917 at Ursuline Convent Chapel, Arcadia, Iron County, Missouri. The marriage ceremony was performed by Reverend Ernst J. Blankemeier.¹
     John died on 15 January 1978 at age 81.¹ He was buried in January 1978 in St. Peter Catholic Cemetery in Kirkwood, St. Louis County, Missouri.⁴

John Joseph Blase Jr. Tombstone.⁴

     John Joseph Blase Jr. The employment and business career of John J. Blase began when he was about 14 years of age. For several years he worked on his father's farm at Manchester and Woodlawn, Kirkwood, Missouri. He then took a job as a clerk in Rohrbach's Grocery Store in Kirkwood. When his father leased the 11 Mile House at Manchester and Woodlawn he worked there as a bartender for a few years. Around 1919 he bought a Globe-Democrat Paper Route from Sam Wachbrit. This route covered most of the city of Webster Groves. He paid five-thousand dollars for the route which proved to be quite a profitable venture but demanded real sacrifice and hard work. Morning paper carriers had to get up at 3 o'clock in the morning and have all papers delivered by 6 a.m. At the beginning these deliveries were made with horse and wagon. Later on a Ford Touring car with the top down proved to be a real god-se nd. In about 1919 John Blase sold the paper route to Dan Coleman.
Then in partnership with Louis Holman, he acquired the Vall ey Park Soda Bottling Co. On this property they erecte d a fine new plant which remains standing to the present ti me. Relinquishing his holdings in the Valley Park Bottlin g Co. John Blase joined the Falzone Insurance Agency at Cl ayton where he remained for some few years.
In the year 1927, John Blase acquired a lot at the southwes t corner of Berry and Manchester Rd. This lot was 100 x 15 0 feet in size. He bought the lot from Al Keil, brother o f a former mayor of St. Louis. On this lot he erected a fi ne business building with living quarters in the rear. Her e a flourishing business developed under the slogan 'Go t o Blase's'.
In 1934 John Blase decided to relinquish the burdens of th e restaurant business. He then leased the building and sol d the business to two of his brothers - Frank and Louis Bla se.
During the following several years Blase's Barbeque had amo ng its tenants: Lawrence Blase; Clarence and John Nahm; Edw ard Blase; Emil Vilcek.
After this John Blase leased the property to the Glick Laun dry. They operated a Drive-In Laundry and Cleaning place t here for the next 10 years. He then worked at St. Louis Co . Highway Dept. and Branch Realty Co. In March 1972 Joh n Blase sold the corner to the Stanley Photo Co. but retain ed the balance of the property including the lovely home a t 1389 N. Berry Rd. where he still resides.
The residence of John and Vera Blase included the followin g addresses: Cottage on N. Harrison, Kirkwood. Living quar ters at 11 Mile House. Farm Home of his parents. Chelsea P l., Glendale. 300 N. Gore, Webster Groves. Parsons Ave. , Webster Groves. 13 W. Monroe, Kirkwood. And finally 138 9 N. Berry Rd., Glendale, Mo. where he now resides.^3,1

          William Anthony Blase, son of John Blase and Mathilda Theckla Dierkes, was born on 23 September 1899 in The Wedge, Maplewood, St. Louis County, Missouri.¹ He was baptized circa October 1899 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Shrewsbury, St. Louis County, Missouri.¹
     William Anthony Blase attended grade school at St. Peter Grade School, Kirkwood, St. Louis County, Missouri.¹
     William married Rose Hofer, daughter of John Hofer, on 14 November 1922 at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Glendale, St. Louis County, Missouri, the witnesses were Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church (Webster Groves, MO).¹
     William died on 11 July 1966 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Kirkwood, St. Louis County, Missouri, at age 66 probably of a heart attack.¹ He was buried circa 14 July 1966 in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Affton, St. Louis County, Missouri.¹
     William Anthony Blase In connection with his work he took several night courses at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri.
William Blase's working career began in his early teens after his graduation from St. Peter's Grade School. He worked at the farm at Manchester and Woodlawn and also at his Dad's business across from the farm. Bitten by wanderlust, like most teenagers of his time, he and a friend Paul Beling, decided cutting spinach had no future so they set out for the Oil Fields at Tulsa, Oklahoma. There, for a short time they worked at filling stations and in the oil fields. They finally decided that the west was not all that it was cracked up to be so they returned to St. Louis.
William then took a job with the Tibbetts-Hewitt Wholesale Grocers. After leaving this job he obtained permanent employment with the Wagner Electric Corporation where he spent approximately 44 years before his retirement. He started as a clerical worker and worked himself up to Department Supervisor. At one time there were some 48 people under his jurisdiction. At Wagner Electric he was an active member of the Commercial Club and the Foreman's Club, serving as President for a term or two.
After his marriage to Rose Hofer the newlyweds lived for about six months with the John Hofer Family. They then moved to the old Blase home at Manchester and Woodlawn where they resided for about two years. From there they moved in to one of the Hodapp cottages on Martha Lane in Rock Hill, Missour, remaining for about four years. In June 1929 the William Blase family erected their own home at 11290 Day Road, Rock Hill, Missouri. The lot was part of the original Hofer Dairy Farm. William Blase was a devoted and dedicated husband, father and beloved by all his family and friends. His home and family were his castle. His yard and vegetable garden were the envy of all who viewed it. He loved his family and his church and was always willing to make any sacrifice in their behalf. One of his greatest joys was to be surrounded by his grandchildren and to mend their broken toys and hearts. All Mother Blase would say whenever she had problems in her old age was, Bill will be out and fix it.
He was buried from St. Mary Magdalene Church, Brentwood, Missouri. His brother, Father Francis Blase conducted the funeral. Bopp Funeral Home was in charge of the funeral.^2,1

          Edward Frederick Blase, son of John Blase and Mathilda Theckla Dierkes, was born on 12 December 1904 in The Wedge, Maplewood, St. Louis County, Missouri.¹ He was baptized circa 15 December 1904 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Shrewsbury, St. Louis County, Missouri.¹
     Edward Frederick Blase attended high school at Chaminade High School, Frontenac, St. Louis County, Missouri. He attended for about two years.¹
     Edward Frederick Blase attended grade school at St. Peter Grade School, Kirkwood, St. Louis County, Missouri.¹
     Edward married Aloysia Nahm, daughter of Albert Nahm and May Potts, on 12 August 1924 at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Glendale, St. Louis County, Missouri. The marriage ceremony was performed by Reverend Father M. D. Collins. the witnesses were Jack O'Meara and Genevieve Gund.¹
     Edward died on 13 January 1981 at age 76.¹ He was buried in St. Peter Catholic Cemetery in Kirkwood, St. Louis County, Missouri.²
     Edward Frederick Blase Edward spent his youth on the farm at Manchester Road and Woodlawn Avenue helping his parents with the gardening. When his parents acquired the Westwood Grocery, he worked there for a year or so. Other employment consisted of various jobs: Heil Packing Company, selling appliances and a house to house bakery route. After that he lived with his brother, John and Vera, at 300 North Gore, Webster Groves and helped him with his paper route deliveries. When John and Vera moved to Parsons Avenue he lived with them for awhile. It was at this period that he applied for a job with the Polar Wave Ice & Fuel Company and was accepted. He worked at the Webster Groves Branch as a salesman for about a year or so. He was then promoted and became manager of the Affton Branch where he remained for 14 years. It was during this perio d that he married Aloysia Nahm (1924) and lived with her parents at 782 Tuxedo, Webster Groves. In a short time, deciding to set up their own home, they moved to Elton Avenue i n Affton, Missouri. This was followed by residence in his father 's cottage on Zoetta Avenue, Glendale. A little later they lived upstairs at the Westwood Grocery as the parents moved to their home at 130 West Monroe, Kirkwood. After this the Lemke house on Sappington Road two blocks south of the Westwood Grocery, became available. The Ed Blase family occupied the downstairs and Pat and Bernadine Murphy the upstairs. It was here that a near tragedy occurred. Due to gas leak they were all nearly asphixiated.
The Ed Blase family now moved into their own home on Monica Drive in South Kirkwood and l ived there for the next 17 years.
In 1938 Ed left the Polar Wave and went in business for himself at 700 Big Bend Road, Kirkwood. Seven years later he sold this business to City Ice and Fuel, formerly Polar Wave. For a short time after this he operated Blase's Bar-B-Cue at Berry and Manchester which he later sold to his partner John Nahm. Then he bought the property and restaurant at corner of Monica and Lindbergh known as Thruinger's. He sold his home on Monica and moved into the living quarters of the new restaurant building which he erected there. The Ed Blases operated a thriving business there until 1958. Desiring to retire because of ill health (emphesema) he leased the property which later became a Chinese restaurant. He then moved to 35 Quail Avenue in Ballwin, Missouri.^3,1

Edward Frederick Blase Tombstone.⁴