Chemazar O. F. M., Fr. Blase

Was born on June 23, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois. His parents Peter and Lucija ( née Demšar) were both from the village Selca near Škofja Loka and emigrated to the U. S. in the late 1920s. Fr. Blase Chemazar first visited St. Stephen’s parish school and later the Jesuit St. Ignatius High School. On August 19, 1946, he entered the Franciscan order. and made his solemn vows in 1950. He studied theology at St. Mary’s Franciscan Seminary in Lemont and continued his studies at DePaul University in Chicago. He was ordained a priest by the Slovenian bishop Gregorij Ro man on June 13 1953. Fr. Blase Chemazar celebrated his first Mass at his home parish of St. Stephen’s. From 1953 to 1959 he served as a Chaplain at St. George Parish and for six months at St. Stephen’s Parish in Chicago. Fr. Blase attended DePaul University from 1959 to 1961 where he completed his postgraduate studies in history. From 1961 to 1964 he served as a Chaplain at St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and at St. Anne’s in Moxham. From 1964 to 1967 he was a Guardian of the Slovenian Franciscan monastery in Lemont. From 1967 to 1977 Fr. Blase Chemazar served as a Provincial Delegate and Custos of the Holy Cross Custody. He again served as a Custos from 1983 to 2000. From 1980 to 1982 he served as a Pastor at St. George Parish in Chicago. From 1989 until his retirement in 1998 he served as a Pastor at St. Stephen’s Parish. After his retirement, he lived in the Franciscan Monastery in Lemont. He celebrated Masses for the School Sisters in Lemont and at St. Joseph’s Parish in Joliet. He was also in charge of the Franciscan Retreat House in Lemont. P. Blase Chemazar died on April 12, 2017.

The wake will be held on Monday, April 17, 2017 from 4: 00 p. m. to 8: 00 p. m. Lying in state Tuesday, April 18, 2017 from 9: 00 a. m until time of Funeral Mass at 11: 00 a. m. at the Chapel of St. Mary’s Friary, 14246 Main St., Lemont, IL 60439. Interment St. Mary Seminary Cemetery. Info: Markiewicz Funeral Home, P. C. 630- 257- 6363 or www.markiewiczfh.com