Jack L. Blair

Jack L. Blair passed away in his Green Bay home on December 24, 2023 at the age of 90, following a short battle with cancer.

Jack was born on April 11, 1933 in Waupun, WI to Aurell Raymond Blair (Blais) and Hazel Merina Smith joining his older sister Terry. A dedicated employee from a young age, Jack had fond memories of working in his grandfather's store in Waupun before beginning a career in telecommunications. He sold phone systems across Wisconsin for Bell System and rapidly became an expert in the growing field of telecommunications. After a short stint in New Jersey, he went on to work in the Chicago area, remaining at the cutting edge of the field with Standard Oil, Zenith and Northern Telecom before finishing his career in Newton, IA with Maytag. He retired from Maytag in 1997 and returned to his childhood home of Green Bay, WI.

Jack married his beloved wife JoAnn (Centen) in 1957. Together they raised Vickie, Lizbeth, and Andrew. Every year the family explored the country by car and campervan, instilling a love of road trips and camping that lives on in their children. JoAnn passed away in 2011, surrounded by family, in their bay side home after a long battle with Parkinson's. Jack soon re-connected with his high school sweetheart, Pat Birkenmeier, and together they split their time between Green Bay, WI and Mesa, AZ enjoying golf and cards with a group of active friends. Jack and Pat parted ways last year. Jack remained active and enjoyed excellent health throughout his 90 years. He recently developed a close and caring relationship with Bonnie Baldschun who remained by his side, providing comfort and companionship during the challenges of the last several months.

Jack had a challenging and unstable upbringing, and he was determined that his children and grandchildren would not face the same challenges. He was dedicated to the support and education of his family and their children. He was a proud Grandfather to Caitlin, Joey, Abby and Sarah.

Jack had an inquisitive and curious mind, and he instilled these qualities in his children. The consummate devil's advocate, he was always up for a spirited debate, even if you weren't. He encouraged questions and he always had an answer. He had a lifelong enthusiasm for technology and rarely met a gadget he didn't adore. Given a little more time he would have even gotten the hang of internet passwords.

Jack was predeceased by father Aurell, mother Hazel, sister Terry “Mimi” Robinson (Maitland “Buck”), and wife JoAnn. He is survived by his children Vickie Huff (Peter), Lizbeth Gray (Gary) and Andrew Blair (Allison Cohn) and his grandchildren Caitlin Huff, Joey Huff, Abby Huff, and Sarah Gray. A memorial service for close friends and family will take place in Green Bay in the springtime.