Jodie Blaeser, age 68, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025, at a care center in Boise, Idaho. A longtime resident of Surprise, Arizona, Jodie was born on July 14, 1956, in Thermopolis, Wyoming, to John J. Haratyk and Charline H. Lebo.
Jodie graduated from Hot Springs County High School and continued her education at Casper College, earning an associate’s degree. She went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Wyoming and later earned a master’s degree in reading education from Lesley University.
On October 1, 1983, Jodie married the love of her life, Steven Blaeser, at Saint Anthony’s Church in Casper, Wyoming. Together, they built a life grounded in love, learning, and family.
Jodie dedicated her career to education, beginning as a special education teacher for five years before teaching first grade for 20 years. She later specialized in reading instruction for another five years before retiring in 2011. Her passion for teaching led her back into the classroom for a time at a local school in Arizona.
She lived life with vibrant energy and a deep love for both people and animals. Jodie enjoyed hiking, Pilates, reading, shopping, and playing the piano. A former high school cheerleader and band member, she carried that school spirit into her adult life. She was a fan of horror movies and thriller novels, and she loved scrapbooking and laughing about her reputation for being fashionably late. Her greatest joy, however, was caring for her dogs especially her beloved Scooter and Baby Girl. Jodie also volunteered with the Arizona Small Dog Rescue, where she fostered many dogs over the years with compassion and dedication.
Jodie is survived by her two sons, Matthew and Alec Blaeser; and her brothers, Randall and Lance Haratyk. She was preceded in death by her husband, Steven Blaeser; her mother, Charline Novakovich; her father, John Haratyk; and her brother, Schuyler Haratyk.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in Casper, Wyoming, where she will be remembered with love and gratitude by family, friends, and the many lives she touched.