Robert Randall Blanch

Blanch, Robert Randall (Bob) 90, of Mesa, AZ (formerly Minneapolis, MN) passed away peacefully on April 10, 2007. His much-loved wife of 65 years, Winnifred Lois Blanch (Butts), and sister Josephine preceded him in death. He is survived by sister Katherine and six loving children, Randy, Kathy (Mark Emore), Barbara (Ed Savage), Gary (Nina), Wendy, Jeffrey (Sara), eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Bob was born the youngest of three children born January 14, 1917 to Reuben and Clara Blanch in Valley City, ND and moved to Minneapolis about 10 years later. He graduated from West High School in 1936, meeting Winnie that summer. Bob volunteered for the Army in February 1942. While on leave he married Winnie on December 22, 1942. He was a member of the Sault Saint Marie Army Band, and was later involved in the third wave of invasions to reclaim Guam in 1944. He became a reconnaissance and publicity photographer and remained in Guam until the island was secured. Bob was involved in one American and three Asiatic Pacific campaigns. He was awarded the Star. Bronze. Bob returned to Minneapolis and began a successful career as a commercial photographer and studio owner/director in downtown Minneapolis from 1948 to 1978. Bob rose to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in 1942 and was a 60-year member of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota. He was a member of Lake Harriet Methodist Church for over 50 years. At age 50, he gave up on his dream Jaguar and bought a weekend getaway motor home where he enjoyed over a decade of trips and weekends with family and friends. But without question, besides Winnie, Bob's first love was the game of golf, which he played any time he could with friends and clients. A memorial service for both Bob and Winnie (who died September 21, 2006) will be held on June 9th 2007 at Lake Harriet United Methodist Church, 4901 Chowen Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55410 at 10:30 AM. 612-926-7645. Donations may be made to the church in lieu of flowers.
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.