Charles P. Blust (1878-1949)

BLUST

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 11/26/2008 at 21:07:59

Charles P Blust 1878-1949

Last rites for Charles P. Blust, former Avoca mayor, were held from the Blust-Berthusen funeral home Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock with the Rev. E. J. Schuman in charge of the services. Burial was in Graceland cemetery. Mr. Blust died in a Council Bluffs hospital January 16 after a short illness. He reached the age of 70 years, 11 months, and 9 days.

C.P. Blust was born in Avoca, Iowa, February 7, 1878. His parents were Ferdinand and Anna Marie Gabelmann Blust, early settlers of Avoca. At an early age Charlie entered the butcher’s trade at which he continued until selling out to his nephew, Emil Petersen, a few years ago.

Mr. Blust married Margaret Petersen on November 8, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Blust had no children, but took their nephew Emil at an early age and raised him as their own.

He served the city as mayor for two terms and under his term of office the Water Works building was erected. He was always very interested and worked hard for the benefit of the Pottawattamie county fair. He served on the fair board for over 25 years.

Charlie was of a family of 8 children, two sisters preceding him in death, Mrs. Pauline Christensen of Merino, Colorado, and Mrs. Minnie McCauley of Lincoln, Nebraska.

He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, Margaret, nephew Emil Petersen, sister, Anna Wiseman of Avoca; brothers: William Blust of Costa Mesa, California; H. F. Blust of Avoca; Fred E. Blust of Wisner, Nebraska; N.L. Blust of Avoca, and several nieces and nephews.

From the Scrapbooks of Bessie Gross Gustafsen
Source: Avoca Journal Herald