Jaskowiak, Blake F. Age 91, of Bloomington, MN died peacefully in his home on May 14, 2019. Born October 8, 1927 in St. Cloud, MN. He graduated from Tech High School in 1945. After his stellar high school baseball and hockey achievements he earned a contract with the New York Giants. Blake decided on a different path after the death of his brother on Iwo Jima. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps like his brothers. His WWII tour of duty in China defined his life. Upon return, he graduated from St. Cloud State in Mathematics Education. Later completed his Masters Degree at University of St. Thomas. After a short stint at General Mills, his teaching passion led him to Murdock, MN, then to Bloomington, MN (first at Bloomington HS, then LIncoln HS, and Kennedy HS). Though he never wanted to "toot his own horn", he was also a successful coach, taking the Bloomington HS Bears to the first state high school tournament in 1964. Softball, tennis & golf students benefited from his encouragement & expertise. Blake's main passion was being a mathematics educator. Generations of students were enriched by his knowledge and his care. From initiating programs for ESL students mentoring future teachers at the UofMN and writing curriculum. Blake's skills were important on many levels. Blake's strong principles extended to leadership roles in advocating for teachers at the local & state levels. Blake was willing to stand up for his beliefs, including protesting when necessary. Although Bloomington was home where he raised his family, a piece of his heart belonged to Ocean Beach, Ca (where he enjoyed sitting on Shelter Island, trips to Ensenada & many good friends) & at the cabin on Lake Vermont, MN (where he fought to preserve the clean water) He was blessed to enjoy many years in both places. Blake was preceded in death by his parents, Mary (Yaeger) and Frank Jaskowiak, siblings, Irene, Willard, Elaine, Richard, and Craig; son-in-law, Dale Smith. Left to treasure his memories are his devoted, loving wife Judith (Judy) of 25 years; son, Brian (Susan) Jaskowiak; daughters, MaryBeth (Nicholas) Kowalenko; Juleen (David) Close; Carrie Smith (Scott) Moe; step-daughter Melissa Halvorson (Craig) Wiklund; 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grand-children. Blake thoroughly enjoyed teaching, life and his family. A true loving spirit forever. Blake found a spiritual home at Plymouth Congregational Church, Minneapolis. Due to construction, services will be held May 23, 2019 at 11:00am with visitation one hour prior at Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, 2200 W Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington, MN. Luncheon to follow. Internment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to VEAP, 9600 Aldrich Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431 and Education Foundation of Bloomington, 2575 W 88th St, Bloomington, MN 55431. ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE! SEMPER FI!

Published on May 19, 2019