Former GHS Principal Bob Blasi Served His Community In Many Capacities

Bob Blasi retired from a 33-year career in education in 1992, but he never stopped working or giving back to his community.

If he wasn’t working his part-time job as a greeter at the Bass Pro store in Council Bluffs, he was probably preparing the meal for a special function at the Glenwood American Legion Hall,  running the kitchen for one of the Glenwood Optimist Club’s youth sporting events, helping coordinate the club’s annual sweet corn sales or volunteering for a project at his church.

Blasi died Thursday, Jan. 19,  at the age of 84, after a long battle with cancer.

A Pulaski, Iowa, native, Blasi served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War from 1952-1955 before pursuing a career in education. After serving several years as an educator in Hartford and Dexfield, he came to Glenwood in 1970 where he began a 22-year run as a very popular high school principal.

Retired GHS faculty member Stan Winquist said Blasi was respected and admired by school staff, students and parents.

“His knowledge in dealing  with people, especially parents was probably his strongest asset,” Winquist said. “To me, he was like another father, who listened to your ideas, problems or success stories. He never really let me know he was judging me or evaluating me, you just knew the way he dealt with you, ended up being more your decision. Bob wasn’t a real rah, rah guy. You just knew if you did your job, he was in your corner.”

Winquist noted Blasi was known for his sense of humor.

“I think most people that worked with and for him will agree that he had a great sense of humor. He acted more like the straight man in a comedy routine,” Winquist said.

Blasi and his wife Beverly left Glenwood for a brief time after his retirement, but returned a few years later where they volunteered their time for numerous causes and organizations. Blasi was one of the most active members of the Optimist Club, serving in several capacities.

“Bob was a founder of the Glenwood Optimists in 1970 and was actively involved to the end,” Glenwood Optimist President Larry Raabe said. “His focus was always on helping the community and especially supporting youth. 

“Even though we can never replace him, his impact on our club and the Glenwood community will be felt for years to come.”

In an interview with The Opinion-Tribune in 2015, the then 82-year-old Blasi said staying active was the only way he knew how to live his life. Staying at home and resting in a recliner wasn’t a lifestyle he could handle.

“I’m not trying to be smart, but that’s for older folks,” he said. “I’m not ready to do that, yet. You can come up with aches and pains if you sit in a chair all day.”

A visitation and funeral service for Blasi will take place Saturday morning at the Glenwood Middle School (which served as the high school when he was principal).

Visitation with family begins at 10 a.m. with the funeral to follow at 11 a.m. Interment and military rites will be at the Glenwood Cemetery.

Blasi is survived by his wife, Beverly Blasi of Glenwood; sons, Barry and wife Rhonda Blasi of Glenwood; Boyd and wife Beverly J. Blasi of Treynor; grandchildren, Alicia Washburn, Kiersten (Nick) Wray, Brittany Blasi, Breann (Brad) Asche, Erin Blasi, Tessa Blasi, Katie Blasi, Chase Blasi; and five great-grandchildren.