George W. Blesh, 73, New Underwood left this world on July 12, 2008 the way he lived his life. He left on his own terms.He was born December 26, 1934 the 4th of 7 children to Newton A. Blesh and Gertrude S. (Hook) Blesh in Oelrichs, SD. He grew up in Long Pine, NE and graduated valedictorian even after skipping the 8th grade.He met and married the love of his life, Elsie M. Stevenson on January 29, 1955 in Lake Andes, SD. They both worked on the Ft. Randall and Oahe dams.He went to school in Wahpeton, SD to study welding and joined the Iron Workers #454 in October 1961 of which he remained a member until the time of his death.George and Elsie settled in New Underwood, SD in October 1961. There they raised a family of 4 daughters.George spent a lot of time away from home working on missile silos, hospitals, WYODAK, many refineries and other iron working projects as a welder.He also had his personal business “Blesh’s Portable Welding”.He always said if a part he welded broke; it was not the weld that let go.He helped many farmers and ranchers in the New Underwood area keep working with his skills.He was an avid hunter and taught all of his daughters to hunt with him. He was very talented creating custom made knives, hatchets, belt buckles and many more items. Some of these he gave to his daughters, their spouses and some to special friends. Others he sold and also donated many knives for local fund raisers especially if it involved a child.He always saw the world in terms of right and wrong. If he called you friend he was a true friend. He touched many lives and will never be replaced. He was one of a kind.George was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie, parents and 2 brothers, Fred and Jack.He is survived by 4 daughters, Ruth Blesh(Matt Selone), MN, Theresa Jeppesen, NE, Paula and Rick Kemmis, MT, Sarah and Kevin Kleinschmit, MO; grandchildren, Stephen and Angie Fontenot, Thomas Fontenot, Danielle Prince, Wayne and Christina Jeppesen, Caleb Jeppesen, Jan and Kyle Cleveland, Kelsie Jeppesen, Casey Kleinschmit, Elsa Kleinschmit, Keith Kemmis, Cody Kemmis; 9 great grandchildren and his siblings, Harold Blesh, Maggie Gulu, Charles Blesh, Helen Joseph and extraordinary family friends, Mary and Bobby Shoun and Ron and Betty Seibert.The Family would like to thank the New Underwood EMS and the Rapid City Regional Hospital staff who gave Dad and our families the very best care possible.