Stephen Earl Blasdell, 62, of rural Morrison, IL, died Saturday, January 2, 2021, at home surrounded by his family.
Steve was born April 16, 1958, in Morrison, the son of Louis and Shirley Blasdell. He graduated from Erie High School in the Class of 1977 and then received a degree in Mechanics from Scott Community College. He married Ginger Poage in Fenton, IL, August 8, 1981. Steve went to work at 3M in Cordova and retired from there in 2016. after 35 years. He was most proud of his work on the Thermo Oxidizer at 3M. Following retirement, his love for mechanics led him to start his own business working on lawn mowers. Steve shared his passion in mechanics over the years with his family, Louie, Alan, Wiley, and Ryan. He was especially proud when Wiley opened his own shop at the homestead and carried on the family tradition. Steve owned many cars, and anyone who ever rode with him knew his driving skills. This trait was also handed down from his Dad.
In addition to mechanics, Steve loved the outdoors and was a sportsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and riding motorcycles and his side-by-side around the Fenton countryside. He was a lifelong member of the Morrison Sportsman’s Club, coming in on the coattails of his dad, Louie, who helped start the Club. He was a Past President, Board Member, and avid working member. Steve also taught Hunter’s Safety courses with Tom Ryan, Rod Borkovec, and Paul Drummond. From 1994 until retiring in 2017, he helped teach 2265 students, including many family members and friends.
Steve is survived by his wife Ginger; children, Wiley (Autumn) Blasdell, Albany, IL, Emily Blasdell, Morrison, Sarah (Preston) Elliott-Moore, Des Moines, IA; grandchildren, Wiley II and Dawson Blasdell, Ema, Sarah B., Jayden, and Jeremy Huizenga, Nolan, Colin, and Nora Elliott-Moore; siblings, Karen (Randy) Snowden, Erie, IL, Alan (Teresa) Blasdell, Fenton; brothers-in-law, Marlin (Janet) Poage, Madrid, IA, Adam (Cheri) Poage, Pecatonica, IL; father-in-law, Virgil Poage, Bowling Green, MO; mother-in-law, Rebecca Hawkinson, Cedar Rapids, IA; nieces and nephews, Chris and Ashlie Snowden, Kara and Sal Victor, Ryan and Victoria Blasdell, Katelynn and Evan Scanlan, Samual Poage, Randall Poage, Justin Pruit , and Macaley (Don) Johnson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Louie and Shirley Blasdell.
Due to restrictions of COVID-19, a Private Resurrection Mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, Morrison, IL.
A recording of Steve’s Mass will be available for viewing Thursday morning, January 7, 2021, by visiting his obituary at www.gibsonbodefh.com.
Public Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at Gibson Bode Funeral Home, Erie, IL. Face coverings and social distancing will be required.
Burial will be in the Fenton Cemetery, Fenton, IL.
Contributions may be made to the family for a memorial to be determined.
Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com.