Blanche’s family and friends mourn their loss knowing all the while they carry either a bit or a lot of what she shared and believed. Blanche was a loving spouse who’s heart was broken three times with the death of her Eustace (father of her children), Bud (Henry), and Paul. As a mother she grieved the passing of her oldest son Rick. Two other sons Terry (Dannie) and Tim (Linda), and daughter Faith were a source for her stories and in turn were her advocates. Grandma admired and loved from afar her grandchildren and great grandchildren – Derek (Sara Jo), Erin, Elizabeth (Chris), Casey (Jessie), Matthew (Mindy) and Caitlin (Andre); Declan, Rosa, Kellen, Jack, Evan and Claire.

Blanche, in a word, was a firecracker. She loved music, dancing, and singing; read voraciously; and remained a loyal champion of this land’s Native people. She was dedicated to her growing family’s dairy farm, once deft in mending jeans with an inset patch, a committed foodie through and through, a keen wordsmith and teller of stories, a stalwart advocate of clean lakes and rivers, and deeply Catholic. Blanche engaged easily in conversation, dressed with flair equally from a thrift shop or boutique, gave spirited support for the US Navy particularly submariners, and relentlessly recycled and re-used.

Her friends and family describe her as bold, fierce, and an independent rascal. With a number of caregivers and community advocates – particularly Cecelia Finamore Dickey, Sherry Mahaffey, and ‘her boys’ of the Cocoa Beach Fire Department – plus a host of dedicated medical professionals Blanche was able to remain in her own home to her last days. Towards this end she brought a bold tenacity to move past her pain and keep going.

Blanche was preceded in death by her immediate family: Anton (father), Ottilie (mother), James (brother) and Donald (brother). She is survived by a host of friends and a large number of nieces and nephews across several generations.

On January 12, 2026, her soul will be commended to our Lord Jesus Christ at Mass, Church of Our Saviour in Cocoa Beach. Time is 10:30. Following Mass we will celebrate Blanche’s life at the American Legion Post 348 in Cape Canaveral. All are welcome. A private graveside service in Wisconsin will follow at a later date. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s Indian School, Chamberlain SD; St. Mary’s Submarine Museum, St. Mary’s GA; or a cause of your choice.