Channing Blickenstaff

Channing B. Blickenstaff, 89, of West Lafayette, passed away Monday, October 30, 2023 at University Place.
Channing was born October 8, 1934 in Lafayette, IN, to the late Earl and Barbara (Smith) Blickenstaff. He was a 1952 graduate of Frankfort High School. He later obtained his Bachelor's degree in Economics from Purdue University.
On December 23, 1956 he married the love of his life, Janet Frazier in Frankfort, IN, and she survives.
Channing proudly served his country from 1956-1958 in the United States Army during the Korean War. He returned to Purdue in 1961, graduating with his Master's Degree in Spanish and later his PhD in Education in 1965. He joined the faculty at Purdue in 1964 and began teaching Spanish as the Assistant Head of the Department of Foreign Languages. He was the first Resident Director of the IU-Purdue Program in Madrid from 1965-1966, which would grow to include the University of Wisconsin. The "WIP" program has now been operating for over 60 years. He became the assistant dean in 1971 before accepting a position as the Executive Assistant to the Dean of the Graduate School in 1979. He retired from Purdue University in 1984.
Channing was a member of First Christian Church and the Cherry Lane Dudes Dixieland Band. He enjoyed playing the piano and organized hymn singing at University Place for over 20 years. He also composed church choral music, having one CD produced. Channing and his wife Janet volunteered much of their time at the Tippecanoe County Library for 25 years. He enjoyed building very impressive sailboat models in his spare time. Channing was a very generous supporter of Purdue, First Christian Church, Lafayette Urban Ministry and several other organizations.
Along with his wife of 66 years, Janet, he is survived by their two daughters: Marianne Blickenstaff and Barbara (husband, Ron) Kielkowski; brother: Bradley Blickenstaff; three grandchildren: Andrew (wife, Ally Burque) Mosiman, Elizabeth Mosiman, Kelli Cornelius; four great-grandchildren: Gus Burque, Gavin, Olivia, and Maxwell Cornelius.
Visitation will be held from 10am – 11am Thursday, November 2, 2023 at First Christian Church. Funeral service will begin at 11am with Reverend Andrew Guthrie and Reverend Mia Smith officiating. Entombment will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Park. Donations may be made to First Christian Church, Lafayette, IN; Purdue University Libraries; or Lafayette Urban Ministry. Share memories and condolences online at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com