Marquette––Blanche L. Christensen, 86, of 1061 South Lake Street, Marquette, entered eternal life Saturday morning, March 22, 2008, at the Eastwood Nursing Center in Negaunee.
Blanche was born January 18, 1922 in Marquette, a daughter of the late Randall James and Mae Ila (Simar) Black. Born and raised on South Lake Street, she married Julius A. Christensen on January 6, 1940 in St. Peter Cathedral, and the couple set about establishing a home and raising their family on South Lake Street. Blanche was employed as a clerk and manager at the former Jack and Jill Children’s Clothing Store for over 23 years, retiring in 1974. She was a member of St. Peter Cathedral and the Richard Jopling Post #44 American Legion Auxiliary.
Blanche’s family always came first and she was a devoted mother, proud grandmother, and caring sister who loved to read, travel, and greatly enjoyed the beauty of Lake Superior. She possessed a great sense of humor and had a whimsical quality that could turn almost any occasion into a fun filled experience.
She is survived by, three daughters, Julie M. (Ron) Powell of Mt Holly Springs, PA, Catherine Dallas of Belton, TX, and Patty (David) Coffman of Austin, TX; two sons, Dennis (Laura) Christensen of Springville, IA, and Max Christensen of Marquette; her grandchildren, Michael (Melissa) Christensen, Darrin Benson, Sherry Dallas, Amy Christensen, and Michelle Coffman; great-grandchildren, Nicole Dallas, Jessica Benson, Tristan Dallas, and Mia Christensen; two sisters, Clara Christensen and Ruth Grace both of Marquette; a brother, Randall (Margaret) Black of Escanaba; several nieces and nephews; and lifelong friend of the family, Billy Langlois of Rochester, MN. In addition to her parents, Blanche was preceded in death by her husband Julius A. Christensen on November 26, 1970; and by brothers, George, Frank, and James Black.
Friends may call at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, where a parish prayer service will be held at 7:30 pm. Due to the sanctuary renovation at St. Peter Cathedral, the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Michael Catholic Church on Wednesday, March 26, at 11:00 am with Rev. Frank Ricca as celebrant. A reception will follow in the St. Michael Parish Center. Burial will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Gary, David, Ross, Brock, and Bill Christensen, and Jerry Gryc. Honorary bearers will be David Vadnais and Donnie Bell.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff, caregivers, and residents of the Eastwood Nursing Center for the many kindnesses extended to Blanche and her family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Eastwood Nursing Center, Patient Activity Fund, 900 Maas St., Negaunee, MI 49866.