Dr. Eugene Schlegel Blair

Eugene Schlegel Blair, 94, passed away suddenly on May 21, 2018 following a fall. He was born on January 25, 1924 in Akron, IA to Samuel Clarence “Curly” and Faith Schlegel Blair. He served in the US Army Air Corps during WWII as a meteorologist, and then attended the University of Illinois, Chicago to study dentistry. After graduating with honors in 1950, Gene began training as an orthodontist. Dr. Blair practiced as an orthodontist from 1952 to 1988 in Elgin, IL.

Gene married his bride, Pauline “Polly” Gucker in 1947. The couple celebrated 71 years together. They lived in Elgin, IL from 1952 to 2010 and in Mesa, AZ for half the year from 1991 to 2012, and have resided at Deerfield Retirement Community in Urbandale, IA since May of 2010.

Gene served in various capacities in many professional organizations such as president of the Fox River Valley Dental Society, the Chicago Association of Orthodontists, president of the Illinois Society of Orthodontists, and the Midwestern Society of Orthodontists, and also president of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) from 1986 to 87. He ended his career as the president of the AAO Foundation.

Community service was also prominent in Dr. Blair’s achievements. He was a life-long member and President of the Kiwanis Club in Elgin, president of the Fox Valley, IL Mental Health Association, president of the Illinois School District U-46 Board of Education, and an Elder of the Presbyterian Church.

Gene’s many interests included music - especially jazz – cars, travel, sports, and playing golf. He was above all a devoted husband and father. He and Polly have four children, Carol Lynn Blair, M.D. who resides in New Zealand, Robert Eugene Blair, a registered pharmacist in Clive, IA, Richard Carl Blair, R.Ph. (deceased), and Thomas David Blair (deceased); and two wonderful grandchildren, Heidi Michele and Gregory Alan Blair.

A service to celebrate Dr. Blair’s life will be held on Thursday, June 7 at Deerfield Retirement Community, 13731 Hickman Road in Urbandale, IA 50323 in the Event Center at 10:00 a.m. Gene will be interred at Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter, IA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Benevolent Fund of Deerfield Foundation at the address above, or to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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