Maurice Blasdell

ERIE - Maurice E. Blasdell, 68, of Fenton, died Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006, at Clinton Mercy Medical Center North Campus, Clinton, Iowa. He was employed by Drives Inc., Fulton, for 28 years, retiring in 2000. He also farmed and custom farmed with his dad and brothers.

Maurice was born Feb. 4, 1938, in Sterling, the son of Ray C. and Edna I. Jackson-Blasdell. He married Gloria Collins on July 3, 1961, in Salem, Ark. She died Nov. 7, 1985. He enjoyed woodworking and crafts.

Survivors include his children, Mark Blasdell, Kenneth (Dawn) Blasdell and Diana (Bob) VanRiet, all of Morrison; three brothers, Dale (Maria) Blasdell of Morrison, Roger (Carmen) Blasdell of Albany and Donald "Butch" (Sandy) Blasdell of Clinton, Iowa; three sisters, Betty VanMeter of Rock Falls and Pearl Blasdell and Carol "Nancy" Shafer, both of Morrison; very special friend, Bernice Misfeldt, with whom he lived; eight grandchildren; and a great-grandson.

He also was preceded in death by his parents.

The funeral is at 10 a.m. Thursday at United Methodist Church, Erie. Burial is at Fenton Cemetery. Visitation is from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Gibson Funeral Home, Erie.

A memorial has been established.