MARVIN WILLIAM BLAES, 87, of Little Rock, passed away September 2nd surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 5, 1936, in Belleville, III, one of Gilbert and Anita Blaes’ six children. His gift of storytelling was born out of the shenanigans he and his brothers would get into as children. Throughout his life, he would tell these stories at every gathering and each time, they became more colorful. His spiritual journey began at this same time, as he was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith and served as an altar boy at Mass for 10 years. He has said he was born as a child of the light and knew he was called as an adult, to serve those in need. He was faithful to his call, serving in many capacities. He taught Sunday school and started youth ministry programs, scripture studies and in 1986 was ordained a Deacon in the Diocese of Little Rock. He served at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Little Rock, where he visited the sick, took communion to the homebound, led retreats, and performed weddings, baptisms, and funerals. He was certified as an Industrial and Commercial Chaplain and was assigned to the Holiday Inn and Camelot Hotels for several years. When he was with people in need he felt most at home, he loved to listen and encourage and offer counsel if needed. He derived his energy and joy from being with people and learning more about them. He was friendly and fun and funny. Professionally his 30-year career in Engineering and Property Management for Missouri Pacific Railroad/Union Pacific Railroad is what brought him to Little Rock, but it was the people, the city and his church work that made it home. After retiring from the railroad, He took a job with Richard Stevens and Associates and did land appraisal work before retiring in 2005. He attended the University of Dayton and Belleville Area College and achieved a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and Economics from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1973. Marvin was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He loved being married, first to Judy Chorlton for 32 years. That marriage led to three children, Kim Clemons (Jim), Kristie Holden (Kevin), and Kevin (Buzz) Blaes (Valerie). He was an incredible Dad who taught his children in the Catholic faith and the service of others. When Judy passed away in 1989, he continued his diaconate work to fill his days. In 1993 he married the second love of his life, Barbara Greenwood, and embraced her children, Charlotte Moix (Greg), Greg Greenwood (Brigid), Gayle Clark (Taylor), Scott Greenwood (Jane), and Doug Greenwood (Kelli) as family. He and Barbara were married for 30 years before his death. He was Fuzzy to his 12 grandchildren, Keith McGeorge (Nichole), Catherine Brunetti (Mike), Rebecca Dixon (Eric), Brittany Wharton (Chris), Sam Greenwood, Matthew (Chewy) Greenwood, Ryan Clark, Cole Clark, Bailey Clark, Riley Jane Clark (deceased), Jordan Greenwood, and Pete Greenwood. He was blessed to be Fuzzy to 3 great grandchildren, Hudson McGeorge, Cooper McGeorge, and Piper Brunetti. He was Marv to his siblings, Clete Blaes (deceased), Frank Blaes (deceased), Fred Blaes, Ron Blaes and Carolyn (Bitz) Hinson. Marvin/Fuzzy lived to love and serve others and bring the Good News to everyone he met. He is preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Anita, his first wife Judy, his brothers, Clete and Frank and his granddaughter Riley Jane. A Celebration of Life for Marvin Blaes will be held on Monday, September 18th , at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4000 North Rodney Parham Rd, Little Rock, Ark. Visitation at 10 a.m., Rosary at 10:30 a.m. and Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. A reception will follow the Mass in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to: The MSGR. Hebert Endowment Fund at Christ the King Catholic Church or The Men of Faith Program at Christ the King Catholic Church. Arrangements by Smith Little Rock Funeral Home. Online guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com.
Published September 10, 2023
OBITUARY SUBMITTED BY:
Smith Little Rock Funeral Home
8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock, AR
E-mail: littlerock@smithfamilycares.com
Phone: 501-224-2200
Copyright © 2023, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc.
All rights reserved.
This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc.
Material from the Associated Press is Copyright © 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. All rights reserved.
