Funeral Services will be at 2 pm, Saturday, December 30, 2017 at Grey Eagle United Methodist Church, Grey Eagle for Thomas J. “Tom” Blais, age 90 of Sauk Centre, formerly of Grey Eagle & Long Prairie, who passed away on Friday, December 15, 2017 at CentraCare Health Systems-Sauk Centre. Rev. Gary Taylor will officiate and burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Long Prairie. Family and friends may call two hours prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Arrangements entrusted to Williams Dingmann Funeral Home – Stein Chapel, Long Prairie.
Thomas John Blais, the son of Anthony and Olga (Lawin) Blais, was born in Long Prairie, Minnesota on September 18, 1927. He attended school in Long Prairie, and he graduated with the class of 1945. Tom worked for his father in the Chrysler/Plymouth Dealership as a young boy. Tom served in the United States Navy after High School, and in the Army National Guard. Tom was called to active duty in Alabama for 17 months during the Korean War. He attended the Minnesota School of Business graduating in business/sales. Tom married Roselyn (Schultz) on January 17, 1952, and they spent the first part of their married life in Alabama during his active duty. Tom and Rose made their home in Long Prairie. He took over the dealership after his father died in 1956, and he changed from selling Chrysler/Plymouth to selling Fords in 1957. He also started a body shop on the West side of town in later years. Tom and Rose worked side by side in the business for many years until her death in 1991. He moved from Long Prairie to Little Birch Lake in 1996, and he retired in 1998. Tom moved to an assisted Living in Sauk Centre in 2016.
His hobbies included fishing, hunting, golfing, dancing, boating, gardening, Vikings Fan, and he played in a whist card group for years. Tom was on the board for the Minnesota Auto Dealers’ Association, a Volunteer Fireman for 33 years, served on the City Council, American Legion Member, and he chaired the huge fireworks display for the American Legion every 4th of July. He was active in Commercial Club Meetings, and he faithfully supported Long Prairie businesses. Tom was a member of the American Lutheran Church of Long Prairie in previous years, and he was a current member of the Grey Eagle United Methodist Church where he was instrumental in the planning process for the new building.
He is survived by his daughter Leah (Peter) Klick of Maple Grove, MN, Son Tony Blais of Plymouth, MN. Three grandchildren Josh (Chrisy) Klick of Zimmerman, MN, Dan Klick of Big Lake, MN, Tom (Rachel) Klick of Minnetonka, MN. Seven great-grandchildren Riley, Abbey, Natalie, Owen, Brent, Aaron, Nora. He is also survived by the family of his deceased friend Pat Denne, Joe, (Darla) Denne of Monticello, MN, Nikki, (Kevin) Gross of Maple Grove, MN, Moneque, (Dean) Downs of Elk River, MN, Melinda, (Nash) Alum of Maple Grove, MN and their families.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, wife Rose, and friend Pat.
Memorials preferred to the Minnesota Stroke Association or the Grey Eagle United Methodist Church.
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