Florian "Fritz" D. Blaskowski

Florian “Fritz” D. Blaskowski, 91, Wausau, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau.

He was born February 1,1935 in Wausau, son of the late John and Theresa (Adamski) Blaskowski. In 1959, he married Jill Bickford. She preceded him in death on July 18, 2016.

Fritz was a proud veteran of the United States Army Air Force and served in Germany and Italy from 1956-1958. While in the service, Fritz was blessed by the Pope at the Vatican Square in Rome.

For 36 years, Fritz worked as a machine room operator at Wausau Paper Corp, until his retirement. He will be remembered by his co-workers for his wonderful singing and making coffee every day. Following retirement, he enjoyed delivering products in the area for Glen-Ray Radiators, which he considered his “fun job” in his later years.

Florian could tell a great story and was a great historian. Throughout town, many people recognized him from a memorable story he shared with them. Fritz enjoyed his weekly meetings with friends for coffee and meeting monthly on Wednesdays with his former co-workers for breakfast. He always looked forward to his weekly visits at the Chatterbox to sign-in and drink a soda.

Family gatherings were very special to Fritz and his wife, Jill. Together, they enjoyed vacationing throughout the United States. He was an avid sports fan and liked watching the Packers and Brewers on TV and attending as many of his grandchildren’s sporting events as possible.

He will be deeply remembered for his love for his family, his kindness, his storytelling, his singing and friendship to everyone that crossed his path in life.

Survivors include three children, Julie (Michael) Kwarciany, Wausau, Tony Blaskowski, Appleton and Mary (Patrick) Metzinger, Wausau; one daughter-in-law, Kathleen Blaskowski, Appleton; eight grandchildren, Daniel Kwarciany, David (Marcee) Kwarciany, Sydney, Leah, Charlie and Grace Blaskowski, John (Kayla) Metzinger and Andrew (Daria) Metzinger; four great-grandchildren, Paisley and McKenzie Kwarciany and Lyla and Jay Metzinger; three siblings, Mary Jane Burish, Clarence (Judy) Blaskowski and Ted (Sue) Blaskowski; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and wife, Jill, he was preceded in death by his son, Bobby; infant grandson, Michael Metzinger; infant granddaughter, Kate Metzinger; and seven siblings, Leonard, Raymond and John Blaskowski, Dorothy Keska, Delores Bzdawka, Vernie Porath and Irene Blaskowski.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Allan Slowiak will preside. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau, with military honors.  Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. There will be a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Michael Catholic Church or Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com