Dennis Ray Blaschke

After a short battle with cancer, Dennis Ray (Laddy) Blaschke of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at the age of 78, at the VA Medical Center.

A 1963 graduate of Custer High School, Dennis was drafted by the military out of school and elected to follow his brother’s footsteps into the U.S. Airforce. Dennis served in Vietnam as a dog handler with the 377th Military Police at the Tan Son Nhut Air Base on the outskirts of Saigon, where he was exposed to Agent Orange.

Following his four years in the Air Force, Dennis returned to Milwaukee following his father’s career path as a welder. Dennis was very active with fastpitch in the Milwaukee area and a lifelong fan of the Brewers, Bucks, and Packers.

A long-time resident of the Clement J. Zablocki Veterans' Administration Medical Center, Dennis was one of the first residents of the newly opened independent living facilities built in the shadows of the Brewer’s stadium. Prior to his move to the Green House, Dennis was a resident of Dom 43.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Fredrick and Gertrude; his sister, Darlene; and his brothers, James and Robert.

He is survived by his nephew, Robert Jr (Nancy); as well as other nieces and nephews. Dennis is further survived by the caring staff, volunteers, and many residents and friends of the Clement J. Zablocki VAMC and the Green House.