Blaine E. Gaare, 93, of Mabel, Minn., died, Thursday, July 1, at Green Lea Senior Living in Mabel.
Blaine was born January 23, 1928, in Mabel to Emil and Blanche (Lee) Gaare. He attended Mabel Schools. He was a farm worker before entering military service for a short time at the end of World War II. He would later re-enter the Air Force in September, 1950, and was stationed in the Philippines as a radio operator during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge he returned to Mabel, where he worked for Curt Wennes Trucking and later the North Star Gas Station. On January 23, 1961 he married Helen Rouster in New Albin, Iowa.
As a young man Blaine enjoyed riding horses, and later watching baseball, listening to Big Band music, socializing over a cup of coffee, and going for drives.
Blaine is survived by his wife Helen of Mabel, stepson Michael Rouster of Winona, children Angela Gaare of Minneapolis, Dennis Gaare of Huntsville, Ala., Cynthia Gaare of Chaska, Minn., Deanna Gaare of Preston, Minn., and Jackie Gaare of Minneapolis; nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandchild; and a son-in-law, Wes Brynsaas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Roger Gaare; a sister, Barbara Spalding; and a stepdaughter, Susan Brynsaas.
Funeral services were held 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 6, at the Mabel First Lutheran Church in Mabel. Visitation was one hour prior to services at the church. Burial with military honors took place in Mabel Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Mabel Lutheran Cemetery or the Mabel Ambulance. The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel assisted with arrangements.