Obit: Blanchard, Charles “The Colby Kid” (1945- 2022)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Blanchard, Van Slett, Packard, Frazier, Ewert, Breen

----Source: Marshfield News-Herald (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 8/20/2022

Blanchard, Charles “The Colby Kid” (18 April 1945 – 11 August 2022)

After a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s, Charles “The Colby Kid” Blanchard, passed away at the Minneapolis Veterans Home on August 11, 2022.

Born in Colby, April 18,1945. Charlie was the son of George and Aurelia (Van Slett) Blanchard. He was the youngest of siblings: Jean Packard, James, Patricia Frazier, Ruth Ann Ewert. He is survived by his best friend and wife, Joan Breen Blanchard of St. Paul MN, stepchildren, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Charlie was a funny man with a big heart and will be remembered for his friendships, service, and a lifetime of storytelling! He was Colby’s paper boy and graduated from Colby High School ‘63, distinguishing himself a wrestler. His love for dogs spanned his entire life. He trained and hunted with many dog companions, from Bimbo to P.W.

Always active, he completed three marathons (Duluth, MN, New York, and England), practiced Spring Forest Qigong, and was a long-time curler at the St. Paul Curling Club. He served in the US Army during the Viet Nam era (‘65-‘67) in Company D, Fourth Battalion, Second Brigade. His service earned his 5+ year stay in the Minneapolis Veteran’s Home where he received the intensive care help that he needed.

Always trying to engage others with his great storytelling, as well as his harmonica music, he inspired many residents, visitors, and staff. During his 20-year-long relationship with Parkinson’s, Charles “Chucky” Blanchard authored three books about other relationships: Colby Stories: Tales of a Paperboy, Beyond Colby: A Journey Into the Unknown, and 56 Jobs in 56 Years. His books highlight Charlie’s ability to capture the essence of a person and to tell stories simply and beautifully. His generous nature and engaging manner showed through as he described simple and complicated situations, and the friends and co-workers who peopled his life. He will be deeply missed.

A military burial service at Fort Snelling National Cemetery will be held at 2:00 on Monday October 3, 2022. A visitation and memorial celebration will take place on the same date, details will be provided at a later date, please refer back to the funeral home website for information.