Harold "Gene" Eugene Blanchard

     Harold (Gene) Eugene Blanchard was  born in Kossuth County Iowa. June 17, 1932 , the second son of M. Edward Blanchard and F. Lucille Newbrough Blanchard. His early years were spent on the farm near Irvington and then moving to the Lone Rock area. That is where he met and married Marvel (Schmidt) Blanchard. To this union four children were born. Kim, Pat, Susie, and Lori.

     Gene had various jobs in the Lone Rock area and in 1961 they moved to Spencer. He and Marvel were later divorced. He married again to Jane Ringsdorf Hildebrand, with this marriage, he gained a daughter, Marylyn, and together they had a daughter Michelle. He worked at the Spencer Pack until it’s closing. His love for horses and racing led him and Jane to the race track, where they built their business, Blanchard Stables. They trained and stabled thoroughbred horses for many years traveling the Nebraska circuit. This was where he was meant to be. He loved horses and his vast knowledge of their care made him a great trainer. He loved the track and had many great friends there. He also loved a card game, and would play every chance he got. Gene was a loyal husker fan whether they were winning or losing. After his eyes dimmed, grandson Nate was his daily lifeline for sporting events. Nate always made sure grandpa knew the time and channel so that he didn’t miss a Twins or Husker game. Grandpa especially enjoyed the numerous calls during the game to discuss the plays, always ending the call with, “thanks for calling, love ya Bud”.  He was known for his car trading and kept the dealers in Spencer and the surrounding area on their toes!

     In his later years, he moved to Sunset apartments. He made lots of friends there and really enjoyed coffee and gossip session.! 

     Gene was proceeded in death by his parents, Ed and Lucille Blanchard, his wife Jane, his brother Delbert Blanchard, his niece, Cheri, and 3 grandsons, Ross Blanchard, Nick Blanchard and Patrick Blanchard Jr, 2 great grandsons, Liam Blanchard and Marshall Blanchard. 

     He is survived by his children, Kim(Cindy) Blanchard of Spencer, Pat (Terry Dillard) Blanchard of Pacific Junction, Susie (Tim) Norgaard of Spencer, Lori (Darrel) Kramer of Spencer, Michelle (David Joaquim) Juede of Phoenix, AZ and Marylyn (Randy) Friesen of Great Falls, Montana. 11 grandchildren , 18 great-grandchildren. Also his special friend Donna Woodrow and Terri Ewoldt.

     As he always said, “Everything will all work out the way it’s supposed to.