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Robert Allin Blais, 81, of Longville, died Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at the Minnesota State Veterans Home in Silver Bay, Minnesota.

Bob was born September 25, 1928 in Crosby, Minnesota to Anthony and Lucienne (Pouliot) Blais. He graduated valedictorian of his high school class in Remer, and then went on to attend school at Itasca Junior College in Grand Rapids. He was drafted into the Army and spent two years stationed in Japan during the Korean Conflict. He married Kay Bailey in 1954.

Bob spent his entire life serving people as a business owner. At the age of 19 he bought the Red Owl Store in Remer which his family helped run while he served our country in the military. He then owned the sport and gift shop in Longville prior to moving to North Branch where he had the Hamms Beer Brewer Distributorship. They moved back to Longville and owned the Longville Laundromat, and opened the Longville MSI Insurance Agency. Six years ago he was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease which over time robbed Bob of his mind, but never took away his love of people. Bob's family is grateful for the loving care he received at the Heritage House in Pequot Lakes, the Pine River Memory Care in Pine River, and the Veterans Home in Silver Bay.

Bob was a 36 year member of the Remer and Longville Fire Departments, was an EMT and instrumental in starting the ambulance service in Longville, and was influential in organizing the Longville Chamber of Commerce. He was a member and trustee at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Longville. He served on the Board of Directors at Woodland Bank, and was a Cass County Commissioner for eight years. Bob was a member of the Longville VFW, Knights of Columbus, and former member and past president of the American Legion in Remer.

Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, and Minnesota sports. He was also "nuts" about his cat and was diligent to make sure it was well fed. People were always No. 1 with Bob. Everywhere he went people loved him and counted him as a friend. He was authentic, had an uncomplicated way of living life, and was sustained by his faith to the end.

Bob is survived by his wife Kay, sons; Mark (Giana) Blais, Scott (Leslie) Blais, two grandsons; Carlo and Nicholas Blais, brother John Blais, sister-in-law Marilyn Blais, one niece, two nephews, and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Phillip.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, August 13, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Longville with Father Joseph Sirba officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass with interment following at Riverside Cemetery in Longville. Military Honors will be provided by the Longville VFW Post #772. Everyone is then invited to Patrick's in Longville for lunch, dessert, and sharing memories of Bob. The Dennis Funeral Home of Longville assisted the family with service arrangements. Share on-line condolences at www.dennisfuneralhome.com[[In-content Ad]]

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