Ronald L. Blank

Ronald L. Blank, 73, Mandan, passed away Aug. 26, 2011, at the Mandan Living Center. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with the Rev. Paul Cervinsky as celebrant. Burial will be at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan. Cremation has taken place.

Ron was born June 5, 1938, to Louis and Clara "Peg" (Mickel) Blank. He was raised on a farm south of Bismarck and educated in Mandan, where he met Judith "Judy" Rowley. They were married Feb. 21, 1958, in Bismarck.

Ron made his living as a short range vehicle (SRV) mechanic, being one of the last of that kind around. He held his annual chili cook-off at his shop that friends and family looked forward to every year. Ron, being a kid at heart, enjoyed his children and grandchildren, which made family very important to him. He was an avid hunter, enjoyed NASCAR racing and wrestling matches. He was on the pit crew for many demolition derbies. Ron will be remembered by many as someone who would lend a helping hand wherever needed.

Ron will be deeply missed by Judy and his children, Stacy (Cliff) Freestad, Gillette, Wyo., Vicki (Joseph) Sheldon, Bismarck, Lora (Dennis) Blum, Mandan, and Kathy (Tom) Dutton, Menoken; along with 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Alice Rassmussen, Bismarck, and Dara (Norman) Anderson, Phoenix; and one brother, Richard (Pat) Blank, Mandan.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; and son, Ronald Jr., who died in 1976.

Go to http://www.weigelfuneral.com">www.weigelfuneral.com to sign the online guest book and view flower and tribute photos.