ODIN "DEAN" BLOCKHUS Obituary

Odin H. "Dean" Blockhus, 89, died on Jan. 19, 2004, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

A graveside service will be held at the Big Sandy Cemetery on Saturday at 1 p.m. A reception will follow at the Masonic Lodge.

Dean was born March 19, 1914, in Big Sandy to Ole and Maria Blockhus. He attended school in Big Sandy, where he was active in sports. He graduated in 1923.

In 1936 he married Jennie Turner and they had one daughter, Sherry. They later divorced. Dean was in the U.S. Navy and served in both WW II and the Korean War. He was in the CCs, worked at Carsow's soda fountain and was postmaster in Big Sandy for 36 years. He was also a postmaster trainer.

Dean was very active in the community and was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Shriners, Eastern Star, Rotary Club, as well as Christ Lutheran Church. He spent many enjoyable hours with his former father-in-law, Bert Turner, making furniture and other woodworking projects. Dean enjoyed and attended all high school sport events, enjoyed reading and was a stamp collector.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Rosella Padilla and Inga Bliss; brothers, Clifford and Louie; and a nephew, Jerry Bliss.

He is survived by his daughter, Sherry Baker, and her significant other, Claude Aaberge of Kalispell; nieces and nephews, a grandson and a great-grandson.

In place of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to the Masonic Lodge, the Big Sandy Historical Society, the Big Sandy Senior Citizens Center, or the Shriners Childrens Hospital in Spokane, Wash.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The graveside service will be under the direction of Holland & Bonine Funeral Home in Havre.