Michael “Mike” Blanchard, 76, of Savage, Minn., formerly of Spring Valley, Minn., passed away at Savage Senior Living Facility at Fen Pointe on the afternoon of Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Michael Steven Blanchard was the eldest child born to Junior “Corky” and Dorothy (Allen) Blanchard on September 3, 1947. Michael was married to Theresa Schwering on May 8, 1971, until she passed away from cancer on June 11, 2003. On September 2, 2005, he was married to Mari Afseth. They were married for 18 years.
Mike served in the Navy for four years and was a proud veteran. Throughout his life, Mike worked at Mayo, drove school bus and operated the Municipal Liquor Store in Spring Valley. He loved to partake in stock car racing. Mike will be remembered as a warm-hearted, loving family man.
Mike is survived by his loving wife Mari, children Jean (Randy) Raum, Jessica (Mark) Conklin and Matthew (Jessica Saalsaa) Blanchard; stepchildren Brooke (Dave) Nelson, Farrah (Ollie) Frost, John Knies, Adam (Nancy) Afseth and Marli (Ian) Hart; siblings Ann Saltz, Barbara (Jim) Pappas and Paul Blanchard; along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Corky and Dorothy, first wife Theresa, son Nathan, and brothers Jim and Jon Blanchard.
Memorial Mass for Mike will be held at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Spring Valley, Minn., with Father Marreddy Pothireddy officiating. Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 10:45 a.m. at the church by the Knights of Columbus. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at St. Ignatius Catholic cemetery.
Online condolences may be left at Hindtfuneralhomes.com.