‘Mr. Crystal Lake’ Bob Blazier remembered

Crystal Lake bade farewell to civic giant Bob Blazier on Saturday.

Blazier passed away Jan. 9 at the age of 98. Known as “Mr. Crystal Lake,” Blazier served as superintendent of schools in Crystal Lake District 47 and led the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce. He was former vice president of marketing and education for Northern Illinois Medical Center in McHenry, now Northwestern McHenry Medicine Hospital. He finished his career as a communications officer at Home State Bank.

Blazier’s funeral Mass took place Saturday afternoon at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Crystal Lake, where he and his late wife, Rosemary, were active parishioners. She served as a religious education teacher at the parish. Her funeral Mass was Nov. 7, 2024, at the church.

During Bob Blazier’s funeral, family members and clergy shared memories of him and spoke to his legacy and impact on the community.

Following the funeral, friends, family and community members made their way to Dole Mansion for a celebration of life reception in Blazier’s honor. The Dole was the backdrop for Blazier’s 95th birthday in 2021 which featured a drive-by parade.

At the time, Crystal Lake Mayor Haig Haleblian said of Blazier: “He’s the spirit of Crystal Lake and what Crystal Lake is all about.”

But on Saturday, friends and family gathered to celebrate Blazier’s life and share stories and memories.

Melissa Blazier, one Bob and Rosemary’s granddaughters, said she grew up two minutes down the street and recalled memories from her childhood, including going to dinner and seeing her grandparents multiple times a week.

“They just instilled in us” how important family is, Melissa Blazier said, adding “they were just the best.”

During a slideshow with photos and videos of Bob and Rosemary, Bob Blazier could be seen wearing a light brown scarf. Melissa Blazier was wearing it Saturday.

Of the Blaziers, Louise LeCoque said she had never seen such a devoted couple and they were “probably our dearest friends.”

LeCoque and her late husband, Erv, moved to Crystal Lake in 1965; the LeCoques and Blaziers met shortly afterward.

She added that the Blaziers are “role models for all of us.”

Mike Splitt said that Blazier was a “fantastic mentor” to him.

Splitt said Blazier led by example and challenged you to be a servant leader, adding that Blazier always was laughing and joking.

Rosemary Blazier was a physical education teacher and counselor in District 47 and also helped to found the first American Cancer Society 24-hour Walk/Run Against Cancer, now Relay For Life, in Illinois.

Bob Blazier grew up in Kewanee, Illinois and met Rosemary while attending Western Illinois University. They married in June 1949, just after graduation. The couple settled in Jacksonville, Illinois, and lived there for 13 years before they came to Crystal Lake.

The Blaziers celebrated 75 years of marriage this past summer. When asked about advice for a long, healthy, happy marriage, Bob Blazier said to be there for your spouse and “put each other first.”

Blazier’s legacy will live on in Crystal Lake: Both District 47 and the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce have buildings named in his honor. Blazier even has his own bobblehead, and runners competing in the Bob Blazier Run for the Arts 5K that benefits the Raue Center for the Arts vie to get one each year.

According to his online obituary: “Bob was known for his boundless dedication and genuine care for others, he touched many lives through his leadership, mentorship, and service. His extraordinary contributions have left a lasting impression on our community for years to come.”