Bernerd Blaustein, 90, was born in Seattle November 1, 1923 and passed away January 23, 2014. The youngest of three sons of Joseph and Lena (Fingeroth) Blaustein, Bernie grew up on Capitol Hill and graduated from Garfield High School and The University of Washington.

Bernie enlisted in the Army Infantry during WWII. He fought in the Pacific arena and was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. 

He married Ruth Pleissner February 28, 1952 and they raised their three children,  Barbara, Joseph and Jennie, in West Seattle.

Bernie worked for DSHS as a case manager/social worker for over 20 years. He loved to read, play classical guitar (self-taught), and paint. He was proud of the fact he grew up in a diverse neighborhood and he made sure he taught his children to treat everyone with dignity and respect.  

Predeceased by his beloved wife, Ruth, and son, Joe, in 2004; his parents; and brothers, Raymond and Gerald, Bernie is survived by his daughters, Barbara Freas (David) and Jennie Toro (Doug Thompson); and his grandson, Kevin Seals. We will miss his ever present sense of humor.

A very special thank you to Fleming Home West for taking such good care of dad the last 3 years of his life. He was happy, comfortable, and very pampered there!

Published in The West Seattle Herald Section of The Westside Weekly February 28, 2014