Harvey Blaisdell, Jr.

Harvey Blaisdell Jr., son of Harvey Albert Blaisdell and Christine Esslinger Blaisdell, was born September 26, 1928 in Perry, Iowa and died March 16, 2006 at the Perry Lutheran Home in Perry, Iowa at the age of 77 years, 5 months and 20 days. Harvey grew up in Perry, attending school there and graduating from Perry High School with the class of 1947. On June 29, 1952, Harvey was united in marriage to Mary Joan Clausen at the Zion Lutheran Church in Dexter. They were the proud parents of 5 children: Mary, Harvey III, Shirley, Vickie and Larry. Harvey worked for Modern Appliance and then for Siglin Plumbing for 33 years. He then worked as a handyman for 15 years. Harvey loved inventing, woodworking and gardening. He also raised goldfish. But Harvey found the most enjoyment babysitting his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Harvey was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Perry. He served for many years as an Elder. He was a church Trustee, ushered regularly, a Sunday School Superintendent, sang in the choir and served as AAL President. Harvey was preceded in death by his parents; and 3 brothers: Gene, Richard and Melvin. He is survived by his wife Mary Joan of Perry; his daughters Mary (Michael) Costanzo of Des Moines; Shirley (Melvin) Mendenhall of Conroe, Texas and Vickie Blaisdell of McCook, Nebraska; his sons: Harvey (Paula) Blaisdell III of Perry and Larry (Sherry) Blaisdell of Des Moines; 15 grandchildren: Matthew Costanzo; Mark Costanzo; Jessica (Tony) Stuhldryer; Pamela (Kevin) Goehring; Rebecca (Allan) Hoisington; Samuel Blaisdell (fiance' Ashley Handy); and Tyler Blaisdell; Jennifer (Ryan) Miles; Stacy Mendenhall (Travis Smith); Benjamin Mendenhall; Tristan Blaisdell; Tiffini Blaisdell; Tabitha Blaisdell; Tim (Kim) Blaisdell; Gary Proctor; 13 great-grandchildren: Nicole and Austin Stuhldryer; Brittney, Devin and Blake Goehring; Chance and Candace Hoisington; Shy-Ann and Bridgette Miles; Maya and Allay Smith; and Amanda and Landon Kopp; sister: Maxine (Earlin) Brown of Perry; and sister-in-law: Helen Blaisdell of Golden City, Colorado; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.