Blanche's family friends mourn her loss while carrying forward the many values and memories she shared with them.  Blanche was a devoted spouse whose heart endured the loss of three beloved husbands:  Eustace, father of her children; Bud (Henry); and Paul. As a mother she also grieved the passing of her eldest son, Rick. She is remembered by her children Terry (Dannie), Tim (Linda), and Faith, who were also subjects of some of her stories as well as her strong advocates.

Though thousands of miles from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren she held deep admiration and affection for them:  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, singing, and reading. She was a passionate supporter of Native peoples' rights, dedicated to her family's dairy farm, a skilled mender of jeans with inset patches no less, an enthusiastic foodie, a gifted storyteller, and an advocate for clean lakes and rivers. Blanche dressed with flair, whether from thrift shops or boutiques.  She steadfastly supported the U.S. Navy with a particular respect and fondness for submariners. Blanche also championed recycling long before it was fashionable. Her Catholic faith remained central throughout her life.

Her friends and family describe her as bold, fierce, and an independent rascal. With the help of caregivers and community advocates – especially Cecelia Finamore Dickey, Sherry Mahaffey, 'her boys' of the Cocoa Beach Fire Department, and numerous medical professionals - Blanche remained in her home to her last days. To this end she brought a bold tenacity to move past her pain and keep going.

She was preceded in death by her parents Anton and Ottilie; brothers James and Donald; and is remembered by many nieces, nephews, and friends across generations.

A funeral Mass will be held on January 12, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Church of Our Saviour in Cocoa Beach, FL. A celebration of life will follow at American Legion Post 348 in Cape Canaveral, FL. All are welcome.  A private graveside service in Wisconsin will occur at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Red Cloud Indian School (Pine Ridge, SD), St. Mary's Submarine Museum (St. Mary's, GA), or a cause of your choice.