Ugene Blank

Ugene Blank (yes that’s Ugene—with no “E”) was born July 8, 1933, in Franklin, Nebraska. He passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026, in Kearney, Nebraska, at the age of 92.

He was the fourth of five sons born to Tommy and Lila (Sargent) Blank. Ugene was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist Church in Franklin and graduated from Franklin High School in 1951. After one year of college, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving four years in Naval Aviation and attaining the rank of AK2, with stations in Texas and Maryland.

Following his military service, Ugene returned to college at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics. It was there he met Marjorie Johnson. The two were married on September 6, 1958, and celebrated 67 years together.

After college, Ugene worked for a finance company in Monmouth, Illinois, until 1962. They later moved to Omaha and then Lincoln before settling back in Franklin in 1965. There, Ugene partnered with his father in the Franklin Hardware store and became sole proprietor in 1967. He faithfully served the community through his business for 33 years, retiring in 1998.

Ugene lived by the motto, “Leave things better than you found them,” and dedicated much of his life to serving others. He served on the Franklin School Board and City Council, was a charter member of the Franklin Fire Department’s ambulance service, and spent over 30 years on the Franklin Area Industrial Development Committee. As a member of the Franklin Jaycees, he was honored in 1967 as the Nebraska Outstanding Local President. He was also a proud member of Masonic Lodge #264 A.F. & A.M., receiving the lodge’s highest honor, the Masonic Achievement Award, and was active with the Tehama Shriners, including their marching band.

In retirement, Ugene continued his service through Meals on Wheels, Teammates mentoring, and numerous church and school activities.

While civic service was important to him, Ugene’s greatest joy was his family. He took great pride in the military service of his brothers, two of whom gave their lives in service to their country. He was instrumental in establishing the Boy Scouts program in Franklin and served as Scout leader for over 10 years. He was especially proud of the many young men who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout—including his son and every grandson.

Ugene had a deep love of music, singing in choirs, and was an avid student of history, particularly World War II aviation. He could identify nearly every aircraft from that era and built model airplanes, many of which he donated to the Franklin Museum. He also enjoyed reading, following sports—especially the Huskers—and, most of all, attending or hearing about the activities of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tommy and Lila Blank; his brothers Max, Lavern (Shirley), and Kenneth (Merle); and his grandson-in-law, Michael Briones.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marge Blank; his children, Deb Bose (Larry), Doug Blank (Linda), and Connie Rance (Bill); his bonus children, Chris Kolb and Brenda Baker Rouse; his grandchildren, Carrie Bose, Katie Rohe (Kevin), Kasey Briones (Kenny Spencer), Zachary Blank, Zane Blank, Charlie Blank, Skylar Blank, Tommy Blank, Alex Rance, and Jake Rance; and his great-grandchildren, Chesney Briones, Kieran Briones, Ezekiel Spencer, Lilly Spencer, Vincent Spencer, Lola Spencer, Kylie Rohe, Kalvin Rohe, and Kaiden Rohe. Brother Don Blank(Jan), sister-in-laws Gayle Johnson and Joyce Sorensen.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Hutchins Funeral Home, Franklin, Nebraska. Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

The Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Grace Lutheran Church, Franklin, Nebraska, with Jerrell Gerdes officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery, Franklin, Nebraska. Military honors will be conducted at the graveside.

There will be a cookie reception back at the Grace Lutheran Church, Franklin, Nebraska following the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials go to the Franklin County EMS or Franklin Public Library.

For online condolences please visit www.hutchinsfh.com, services are under the direction of Hutchins Funeral Home, 1402 M Street, Franklin, NE 68939.