Donald Wayne Blaue of Jonesburg passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at the Veterans’ Hospital in Columbia. He was born on May 22, 1937 at his family's home in Bear Creek, Mo., to the late Charles Henry and Edna Annie (nee: Graue) Blaue. Don was 85.
Don attended a one-room schoolhouse, Walnut Grove, on Bear Creek Road from first through seventh grade. He then went to Warren County R-III, where he graduated in 1955. Don was baptized on October 15, 1939 at his home and Ida Hildebrandt was his sponsor. He was later confirmed at St. John's Evangelical Church in High Hill in 1952. He was a lifelong member of the United Church of Christ of High Hill.
Don was united in marriage to Rosalie Koelling on May 31, 1958 at Friedens United Church of Christ in Warrenton. This union was blessed with two children, Rhonda and Allan. Don and Rosalie lived in High Hill until 1960, when he began his career in the Army. He proudly served our country in the United States Army from 1960-1962. He was in basic training at Fort Leonard Wood for eight weeks then was transferred to Fort Sam in Houston, Texas. He spent 12 weeks there in medical training. He then went to Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska for a year and a half. Rosalie was able to join him in Texas and Alaska.
Don was discharged from the Army in December of 1962 with the rank of E4 at Fort Lewis, Wash. After returning from the Army, Don farmed near Bear Creek in Warren County. He later went to the Warren County R-III School District and was employed as a school bus driver and custodian. He was there until he retired in 2003 after 25 years of service. Don enjoyed gardening in his spare time and enjoyed attending the many sporting events at the high school. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Missouri Tigers fan. Don was a Christian man, devoted to his church and family.
Don Blaue was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Edna Blaue; four brothers, Walter William, Leslie Ray, Robert Lewis and Charles Harold Blaue; two sisters, Hazel Mae and Marcella Ann Blaue. Those family members who are grateful for the time they shared in Don's life are his loving wife, Rosalie Blaue; daughter Rhonda Hollenbeck and husband Raymond; son, Allan Blaue and wife Tracey; three grandchildren, Kasen Blaue, Danielle Hoelscher and Kenneth Hoelscher; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
The life of Don Wayne Blaue will be honored on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 from 10 a.m.-noon at the United Church of Christ of High Hill. A service of celebration will begin at noon at the church, with Rev. Don Deeker officiating. A committal service will follow at the Hugo Cemetery in New Florence. Memorial donations in honor of Don Blaue are suggested to the Hugo Cemetery or to the United Church of Christ of High Hill, in care of Martin Funeral Home, 510 East Main Street, Warrenton, MO 63383. Online condolences may be given at www.martinfuneral.net.
