Henry Lewis Blais

Henry Lewis "Lew" Blais 77 of Rockford, passed away at 4:20 am Sunday, October 11, 2009 in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center after a long courageous battle with MDS.  He was born August 26, 1932 in Grand Rapids, MN.  The son of J. Alfred and Rosa(Roy) Blais.  He lived most of his life in Rockford.  He married Catherine "Kitty" Clausen in Rockford on August 30, 1952.  Lew was an Icon of the local labor movement.  In his over 40 year career as a member of Carpenters L.U. 792, he served as a Tradesman, Apprentice Judge, Recording Secretary and Business Manager for  local 792 and later local 790.  He was a convention delegate, a lobbyist, and an organizer for the union.  Lew inspired six close family members to follow in his footsteps and become union tradesmen.  He was in the First Marine Division, serving in the Korean conflict, where Lew was wounded in battle, and received the Purple Heart.  He was a faithful member of Sts. Peter and Paul Church for 57 years.  He was a lifetime member of LLL Club and was one of the original organizers of Crime Stoppers.  Lew served as a past Chairman of the Labor Day Parade and was once its Honorary Grand Marshal.  He served on the Board of Directors of several community organizations.  Lew was politically active and was appointed by Governor Dan Walker to the Illinois Housing and Development Board. Survivors include his wife; Kitty, Children; Stephen, Mary (Jerry) Peterson, Teresa (Gary) Street and Robert.  Grandchildren; Sherri Rodgers, Christi (Chris) Sweeney, Stephen(Shannon)Blais Jr., Rachael (Patrick) Clausen, Todd(Susan) Peterson, Tracy (Jeff) Andrews, Jay (Kelli) Peterson, Tony Street and Nicholas Blais.  14 Great grandchildren.  Two Sisters; Rose Mae (Lane) Lam of Pittman, NJ, Sharon (Flavio) Posse of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.  Sister-in-law; Carol BlaisPredeceased by his parents, son; Michael, Grandson; David Street and Brother Eugene.Mass of Resurrection at 10am Friday October 16, 2009 in Sts. Peter and Paul Church with his brother-in-law Monsignor William Clausen officiating.  Burial in Calvary Cemetery.  Visitation at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory Riverside Chapel 3910 N. Rockton Ave from 3pm until 8pm Thursday October 15, 2009 and from 9am until 9:45am Friday in the church.  Memorials to OSF St. Anthony Cancer Center and the family asks that you donate blood in Lew's name.  A special thanks to the Staff at St Anthony Cancer Center and the Nurses of Four West.