Chuck Blazek

Charles Blazek, 68, passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007, after a short, valiant struggle with cancer. Charles "Chuck" Blazek was born May 17, 1939, in Rock Springs, Wyo., to Charles and Angela Blazek. He spent 18 years there before enrolling at Colorado State University in 1957. He graduated from CSU in 1962 with a bachelor of art degree in business and a master's degree in education administration. He participated in basketball and track and was active in many campus activities. In addition to receiving an education at CSU, he also met his future wife on campus, marrying Bonnie Biggs in August 1961. He and Bonnie had been married 46 years as of Aug. 19, 2007. He also developed an interest in refereeing while at the university. That led to a long history of officiating basketball, football, baseball and softball. For 35 years he was an official at the recreational, high school and college levels. His professional career began in mortgage lending at The First National Bank. He owned and operated Western Appraisal and Real Estate Consulting for 23 years. He was active in many professional appraising and real estate organizations. Chuck maintained a strong relationship with CSU's athletic department for many years. For the last five years he volunteered his time to work with Mountain West officials in football and basketball at CSU, never abandoning his love for refereeing. He was a former president of the Former Athletes Association and was active with the Greater Ram Club. He always was Ram Proud. Chuck is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his daughters, Jill Steve Ronen and Beth Rusty Huelle of Fort Collins; his sister, Jan John Radosevich of Pinedale, Wyo.; nieces, Jackie Bill Legerski, Trina Anamier; and nephews, John Mary Radosevich and Chuck Debbie Radosevich. "Pops" will be especially missed by grandchildren, Emily and Katie Ronen and Hunter and Carson Charles Huelle. They were the light of his life. A Mass will be in celebration of his life at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Chuck's name to the Colorado State University Athletics Scholarship Fund in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Friends may send condolences to the family at bohlenderfuneralchapel.com.