Forrest John Blauer

Preston, Idaho - - Forrest J. Blauer

PRESTON- Forrest John Blauer, 61, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on Jan. 5, 2010, at the VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born April 28, 1948, in Denver, Colorado, to John Rodney and Caroline Richards Blauer.

He was especially close to his mother and grandmother and being the oldest of four children he just naturally tried to take care of and protect everyone. He loved spending summers in South Dakota with his grandma and grandpa and later in Portland, Oregon when they moved there.


When his parents retired from the Army, they settled in River Heights, Utah, where he attended schools in River Heights and Hyrum. He graduated from Sky View High School and attended USU and then enlisted in the US Army. He served in Viet Nam as a medic and in 1969 was wounded in combat. He was very patriotic and of those who knew him only a few knew that he was awarded a purple heart, presented to him by General Jimmy Stewart. When he was shipped back to the States he was in a body cast and spent the next six months in Colorado. He was not expected to walk again. But his wonderful mother would not accept that. She brought him home and with lots of love, hard work and therapy he did walk.

After recuperating, he went to work in different area hospitals- Logan, Primary Children's and later in California. But cooking, his true passion, finally won out over medicine. It didn't matter what occupation he chose, his friendly, outgoing personality always made him successful.

In 1989, he married Karma Lee Bergquist and became dad to her two young children. Fatherhood was a role he must have been born to do and a lifetime bond of love and caring formed between dad and son and father and daughter. They, in turn, have given him four grandchildren which he adores. He was an active member of both the Fraternal Order of Eagles and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held various positions but always enjoyed those where he could make a difference in the lives of the younger generation. Numerous young men got help with merit badges and earning their Eagle Scout Awards. He was a people person, everybody loved him and he had a soft spot especially for children and "little old ladies." Working at the Senior Center in Logan was a big highlight for him. He has worked at Utah State University for years and has fed thousands of students. He had a loving and happy nature- charitable and giving in all he did. He will be greatly missed by all those he touched.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his daughter, Annie Bergquist, his son, Thayne (Heather) Bergquist and grandchildren, Kaylee Kit, Tristan Ray, Dylan Clay , Julia Marie; his brother, Todd (Shawna) Blauer, two sisters, Toni (John) Peterson and Robyn Douglas and by three nephews and three nieces.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010, at 11:00 a.m., at the Preston Elks Lodge, 1215 N. 800 E., Preston, Idaho. Friends may call Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 109 E. Oneida, Preston, and Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Elks Lodge. Military rites and interment will be in the River Heights, Utah Cemetery. Memories and condolences may by shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VA Hospice Room c/o Webb Funeral Home.