Blan Loeffler Zesch was born September 26, 1928, at home to Edwin A. Loeffler and Ida Brandenberger Loeffler, the youngest of five children of wide-ranging ages.  She gracefully carried the not-so-graceful name of Blan Myrtle Edna, the combined names of the nurse who delivered her and two of her three maternal aunts (we never knew what the story was on the third aunt).  Grace, kindness, and sparkle were the essence of Blan throughout her life.

Blan met a young man named Jordan Zesch in junior high school.  She went to school in Mason; he went to school in San Antonio but had family in Mason. Blan thought she would never like the "math genius" from San Antonio because she didn't care for math. While she finished high school in Mason and started attending Texas State University, Jordan left for Officer Candidate School in the U.S. Navy.  After World War II, Jordan moved to Mason and opened a Ford dealership, and though Blan still didn't care for math, she was charmed.  They were married in 1948.  Son Hal and daughter Kristi were born in 1951 and 1952, respectively.

Blan Zesch's life was centered on loving care.  She spent most of her time focused on her family and their happy home.  She made sure they ate three hot meals every day, and she managed the household sensibly; her husband Jordan always said it was Blan's frugality that allowed him to be successful in business ventures.  Blan also found the time to support her community as a founding member of Riata, an important organization still serving Mason today.  Kind to all animals, Blan fed horses, emus, dogs, cats, deer, and squirrels that she worried were hungry.  A devoted grandmother, Blan took care of her grandson Jeremy every day while her daughter Kristi and son-in-law Jerry taught school.  Many in Mason will remember that Blan and Jordan tragically lost all three of them, along with an unborn child, in an automobile accident shortly before Christmas in 1979.  Blan took loving care of her parents for many years as they aged, because all her older siblings had moved out of state or were deceased.  The years of her mother's dementia were particularly difficult.  Blan also ministered to Jordan's mother and father as they aged, seeing and calling them several times per day.  Finally, Blan heroically cared for her beloved husband Jordan until his final breath.  Her attention was so grace-filled and quiet that family and friends did not realize the intensity of her work until Blan and Jordan came to live with Hal and Amy.  All who knew her were amazed at what she had been able to do by herself at 91 years old.

Despite the difficult challenges in her life, Blan was always fun-loving company.  When Hal and Amy got married, her words of wisdom to Amy were "Keep your sense of humor!"  Blan and Jordan traveled extensively, and they took trips with grandchildren to New York City, Disney World, Las Vegas, and the Caribbean - memories the grandchildren still treasure.  Blan's work ethic and energy level were astounding.  She and Janie Jaquez named themselves "The Spicy Living Kitchen Girls" and had a booth at the most recent Wine Tasting Festival on Mason Square, selling preserves and crafts they had made.  Blan even amazed a crowd of people by sticking the target at the axe-throwing booth at Brady's 2022 Noon Year's Eve carnival!  Blan dearly loved her family, her friends, and her community.  She was tender-hearted and, at the same time, tough.  As Amy said, "Not many people can count as many years as pounds!"  It has been our family's honor to return her love and care, and she will be dearly missed.

Blan Zesch was able to go home on June 26, 2022, to spend eternity with her beloved husband Jordan, precious daughter Kristi, grandson Jeremy, and many other loved ones who went before her during the almost 94 years of her life.  Blan's belief in her Lord and Savior made this possible.  We think Blan's message to us now would be "Look past any doubts and believe!"

Blan is survived by her son Hal and his wife Amy of Mason, four grandchildren in Austin: Kellie Weir (James), Jessica Zesch (Glen Lam), Jordan Zesch, and Hannah Zesch; and three great-grandchildren: Tommy Weir, Helen Weir, and Norah K Zesch-Lam.  The family gratefully thanks Blan's A-team of loving caregivers: Janie, Amy, Maria, Susan, and Paula.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Riata Service Organization, First United Methodist Church of Mason, or the charity of your choice.

A private family graveside service for Blan will be held Friday, with Pastors Jean Reardon and Peter Aguilar officiating.