Joesph Blasko

12/28/1942 — 4/6/2024

Service Date: 4/12/2024
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Joseph Paul Blasko, born on Dec. 28, 1942, in Rock Springs, Wyo., to Cyril and Josephine Blasko, passed away, with his family by his side, on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Royal Plaza Assisted Living in Lewiston.

Joe shared 45 years of cherished marriage with his beloved wife, Nancy, until her death in 2014. Their beautiful journey began at the Bon Marche on Main Street in Lewiston, where Joe had transferred from Wyoming with the shoe department. He met Nancy during her frequent “shoe shopping” trips on her lunch breaks. Their connection deepened as Joe accompanied Nancy to church, where he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Their first home as a married couple was in the Orchards Baptist parsonage in Lewiston. Later, Joe and his family made Faith Tabernacle their church, and he dedicated over 50 years to serving there; volunteering as a Sunday School teacher, usher, video cameraman, bus driver, camp counselor, soundman and even holding babies in the nursery. He had keys to every door and closet in the church and was the first to arrive and last to leave at every service.

As a dedicated father to Chris and Polly, Joe cherished every moment, whether it was during family vacations or providing unwavering support in all their endeavors. He exemplified his commitment to his children in various ways, such as assisting his daughter in setting up the “Festival of Trees” at the county fair building for years. Joe’s dedication was evident as he ensured that all live trees were watered and every Christmas tree light was in working order. Additionally, he enjoyed many hunting trips and fishing excursions with his son and family and friends. As a faithful Mariners baseball fan, he was able to attend many of their games with Chris and good friends over the years as well. What Joe enjoyed most was time spent with all of his family around the dinner table. Through these experiences, Joe instilled in his children values of faith, family, hard work and a deep love for people.

For over four decades, Joe applied his expertise to the Idaho Transportation Department in Lewiston, overseeing various road and highway projects, even to the Canadian border. Joe spent summer evenings and weekends painting house exteriors to save money for family vacations. Even in retirement, he continued his philanthropic endeavors. He volunteered in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley from tending to the church lawn to serving at the Asotin County Foodbank. Known for his boundless generosity, Joe left an indelible mark by supporting numerous charitable causes and organizations in the valley and in Africa.

“Papa Joe” found pure joy in his role as grandfather to his twin granddaughters, Maddie and Josie, whom he adored and showered with affection, daily “after school” phone calls and morning weather report texts. He loved to babysit them when they were younger, always filling his kitchen with their favorite snacks and treats. Joe loved to read about American history and enjoyed reading the journals of Lewis and Clark as well as studying about aviation and attending many airshows. His passion for travel led to many family road trips to national parks, many flights to Disneyland and Disneyworld, visits to Washington, D.C., unforgettable cruises with Nancy and a special Alaskan voyage with his children and grandchildren.

Joe’s warm demeanor, quick wit, easy laugh and willingness to lend a helping hand endeared him to many. He was part of church men’s groups, youth retreats, marriage enrichment events and offered to help on many different home projects for families in his church and neighborhood. He will be fondly remembered for his pockets filled with Jolly Ranchers, bringing smiles to children at church. Joe had a grin and a twinkle in his eye for everyone he met.

Joe is survived by his children, Chris (Lori) Blasko and Polly (Cliff) Knelsen, his granddaughters Madison and Josie Blasko, nieces Caydi (Joel) Johnson and Kylie (Tim) Poston, and brother-in-law James (Virginia) White. He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife and siblings.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 12, at Gateway Church, 707 Seventh Ave., Lewiston.

Joe has sponsored the cost of education for two children at the Tumaini Children’s Home in Eldoret, Kenya, Africa, each month for the past number of years. His last request was to make sure their schooling would be covered for the rest of their youth. To make a gift in Joe’s memory, please send checks to Family Keys International (a 501c3), P.O. Box 378, Clarkston, WA 99403 and write in the memo: “Joe’s kids.” You can also make a donation online at familykeysint.com/tumaini-children.

Joe leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, happy memories and service that will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. John Rudolph, Evergreen Estates, Lewiston Cascadia, and Royal Plaza for their exceptional care of Joe.