Ralph B. Blasier

Ralph B. Blasier, MD, age 71, passed away Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at UP Health System – Marquette with his loving family by his side. 

Ralph was the son of Robert and Katherine Blasier. He was born in Garden City, MI on June 21, 1950. Ralph attended high school in Dearborn, MI and later attended Michigan State University where he received an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry. Ralph then attended Wayne State University Medical School in Detroit, MI. After completing five years of residency specializing in Orthopedics, Ralph commissioned into the Michigan National Guard and later joined the United States Navy as an active duty Orthopedic Surgeon. He was stationed primarily at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in Oakland, California and Naval Hospital Guam until he transitioned to the Navy Reserve. During his reservist time, Ralph began a teaching career in Orthopedic surgery at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. He shared time at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center eventually becoming the Chief of Orthopedics there.

At the VA Ralph met his best friend and life partner Mary Gail (maiden name Schram), who was an attractive registered nurse in the post op recovery room at the VA. Mary had two children, Kevin and Nathan Gauss, who adored Ralph. They married in 1990, but the honeymoon was postponed because Ralph was called back into active duty to support Operation Desert Storm in 1990 where Ralph cared for injured Troops. Ralph separated honorably from the Navy in 2001. Ralph was an extremely patriotic American who loved caring for veterans and supporting veteran organizations.

After Ralph’s military service, he began working at the Detroit Medical Center as the Director of the Orthopedic Residency Program. Ralph had a passion for teaching young doctors and had a positive impact on generations of young orthopedic surgeons. While working full time as a surgeon, Ralph pursued a law degree from Wayne State University and received his Juris Doctorate (JD) in 2007. Ralph never pursued financial gains from his JD, he only represented people pro bono to assist good people who were navigating the justice system.

In 2009, Ralph moved to his wife’s hometown of Escanaba, MI, to begin a career at St. Francis Hospital. Ralph worked in Orthopedics at St. Francis for ten years touching countless lives and contributing to his newfound community.

Ralph was committed to making Escanaba a better place and served as a city council member from 2003 to 2011. He worked tirelessly on boards and countless projects to improve the city and sustain positive growth.

As a self-made successful person, Ralph prided himself on hard work and dedication. He was extremely generous in everything he did and was a fountain of knowledge. He loved a good debate and did not shy away from his beliefs.  

He enjoyed a number of pastimes including guns, dogs, wine, and witnessing total solar eclipses. He loved his grandchildren deeply.

He is survived by his mother, Katherine; his beautiful wife Mary; stepchildren, Nathan (McKenzie) Gauss and Kevin Gauss; beloved grandchildren, Cohen, Collins, and Clay Gauss; brother Dale (Cecelia) Blasier, and their children, Brittany (Jason) Tragos, and Buddy Blasier; and many other cousins.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Thursday, June 30, 2022 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Military Honors will be conducted at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, by the Delta County Veterans Council in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel. Memorial services celebrating the life of Ralph will follow the Military Honors. A reception will be held at the conclusion of the services in the Anderson Funeral Home Reception Room. Ralph left this world a better place than when he arrived. He will be missed by all those that loved him.

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