Kathleen Ann "Kathy" Blasko

ROCHESTER, IL - Kathleen Ann "Kathy" Blasko, passed away Saturday, June 7, 2014, at her home in Rochester with her family by her side.

Kathleen was born in Minneapolis, Minn., on Nov. 14, 1946, the daughter of John and Lorraine (Montreuil) Blasko. She was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her brothers, Jack Blasko (wife, Brenda) of Petersburg, Joseph Lee Blasko (wife, Nancy) of Donnellson, Michael Blasko (wife, Peggy) of Springfield and David Blasko of Petersburg; and sisters, Diana Trader and Theresa Nash, both of Springfield. She is also survived by one aunt, Rose Blasko of Sherman; several nephews, nieces, cousins and many good friends.

Kathy was a 1964 graduate of Ursuline Academy in Springfield, Ill., and a master's degree graduate of the University of Illinois at Springfield. She retired from the State of Illinois Dept. of Transportation in 2003 after 36 years of service. After retirement from the State of Illinois, she also worked for Springfield School District 186 as a Certified Substitute Teacher from 2009 to 2011.

Kathy was active in the community. She was a member of the Church of St. Jude in Rochester, served on the Rochester Planning Commission for over 20 years, was an University of IL Alumni, a member of the IL Association of Highway Engineers, a member of the Rochester Women's Club, a volunteer at the Abraham Lincoln President Library and Museum, a volunteer usher at UIS Sangamon Auditorium, and a past member of the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon Belles and Springfield Civic Garden Club.

Kathy enjoyed many hobbies and interests especially traveling with friends, being a very creative amateur photographer, weekly yoga, tai chi and fitness workouts, gardening and reading. She especially enjoyed spending time with her very young, beautiful great-nieces, Lacey Mae, Anna Marie, Mary Johannah and Natalie Nicole Trader.

Kath "Katie" will truly be missed by her family and many friends.

Wake will be from 8:30 a.m. until the time of mass at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2014, at the Church of St. Jude in Rochester. Burial will follow at Rochester Cemetery.

Memorials honoring Kathy may be made to the Church of S.t Jude in Rochester.

Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester is in charge of arrangements.