Allen R. Blenker

1938 - 2025

Allen R. Blenker, age 86 of Albany, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 14 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany with Rev. Edward Vebelun, O.S.B. officiating. Military honors were by the Albany American Legion. A private inurnment will be at Seven Dolors Cemetery in Albany at a later date.

Visitation was from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Friday at the Seven Dolors Gathering Area in Albany. Catholic United Financial and the Knights of Columbus prayed the rosary at 7 p.m. Thursday evening.

Allen Roman Blenker was born September 27, 1938 in Albany, Minnesota to Joseph and Philomena (Schwinghammer) Blenker. He graduated from Albany High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 19 years old He served his country from 1957 to 1962. He was united in marriage to Mary Ann Yarke on September 2, 1967 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Meire Grove. The couple farmed south of Albany on the home farm. In 2003, he retired from farming but continued helping his son, Jeff, with farmwork for many years.

Allen was an avid card player. He enjoyed playing Bingo, bowling in a men's league, and in his younger years, playing softball. He was known to many as "Easy Al" with a personality that could socialize with anybody. His favorite part of selling calendars for the Snowmobile Association was visiting with the people.

Allen was a member of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany, Catholic United Financial, and Knights of Columbus Father Pierz Council #3628.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann Blenker of Albany; children, Dean (Joan) Blenker of New Prague and their children, Emma and Julia, Jeff Blenker of Albany, Kelly Jantzen of International Falls and her children, Cody, Elizabeth, and Wyatt, Jennifer (Patrick) Olsen of Eagan and their furry pets, Tucker, Maya, and Tripp, and Sarah (Chris) James of Woodstock, Georgia and their children, Liam and Isla; sister, Rita (Tom) Middendorf of Freeport; and sister-in-law, Corrine Blenker of Albany.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Minnie Blenker; sons, Ronald and Kevin Blenker; infant sister, Darlene Blenker; and brother, Ralph Blenker.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Melrose.