John Blanchard
January 17, 1929 ~ June 20, 2013
John H. Blanchard, 84, Fargo, passed away Thursday, June 20, 2013 at Villa Maria.
John was born January 17, 1929 in Grand Forks, ND to John and Delores Blanchard. He grew up in Grand Forks. John graduated from St. James High School in 1946. He enlisted in the Navy where he served from 1946-1948. After he was honorably discharged he moved to Fargo where he attended NDSU. John married Ione Mickelson on April 7, 1951 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fargo. In 1952 he began working for Sweeney Brothers Tractor Company as a parts manager. He retired in 1995.
He enjoyed fishing. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, where he enjoyed card playing.
John is survived by his children, Jennifer (Phil) McShane, Fargo, John R. (Shelly) Blanchard, Fargo; siblings, Don, ,Moorhead, Richard (Jerri), Grays Lake, IL, Wayne (JoAnne), Fargo, James, Garden Grove, CA, 7 grandchildren; Ryan McShane, Ross McShane, Luke McShane, Josh (McKayla) Blanchard, Ashley Blanchard, Meghan Kessler, Tanner Blanchard; and 2 great-grandchildren, Dylan McShane and Macy McShane.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ione and son, Robert.
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Fargo ND
I am sorry for your loss. May your memories find you lasting peace. You are in my prayers.
Maple Grove MN
Jerry and I were blessed to be neighbors of John, Ione and family in Fargo. My prayers are with the family as they miss this wonderful dad and grandad! Mary Kay Ruff
Rogers Minnesota
Jennifer and John,
I want you to know how much I loved your parents. They were long time friends and a tremendous support for me while in Fargo. I will always miss them and remember them as two important people in my life. Please greeted the extended family for me.
John was a very good friend to me when I entered Edgewood Vista 2 years ago. He was in fact very friendly to everyone here and we will all miss him. With Love, Alice M.
Fargo ND
Phil Jen & Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of saddness. My memories of John go back to the days of working with lovely Ione. She always had a funny story to share about John.
MLO
Fargo ND
Our hearts break once again. John was a great man…so handsome, and always that little mischievous smile. Although time and age robbed him of that “spirit”….he maintained as well as he could. The family’s love and care for him no doubt eased those last few difficult years. Blessings for a peaceful heart as we move into these next emotional days. Love you.
My sincere condolences to Jennifer/Phil, John/Shelly, grandkids and great-grandkids. We lost a great one! I’ll always remember Uncle John for his wit and smile, but especially for that great North Dakota
hospitality! May he rest in peace.
Mound MinnJen and Phil: You have lost a treasured soul in John. But as we know, he is in a better place for sure. All of our prayers are with you and your family.