Blanchard, Lauren Caroline

Lauren Caroline Blanchard, 9, of rural Coggon, died Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, from injuries suffered in a car accident. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 26, at St. Stephen Catholic Church, Central City. A vigil service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, with a visitation following from 3 to 7 p.m. at the church. Arrangements by Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Central City.

Survivors include her parents, Robb and Amy Blanchard; her sister, Taylor Blanchard; maternal grandparents, Rita Forker of Grundy Center and William (Martha) Fisher of Marshalltown; paternal grandmother, Shirley Blanchard of Cedar Rapids; maternal great-grandmother, Caroline Praska of Cresco; aunts and uncles, Teresa Fisher of New York, Carol (John) Freeman of Grundy Center and Mark Fisher of Marcus, Iowa; cousins, Lindsay, Jared and Nolan Freeman, all of Grundy Center; her dog, Hunter; her cat, Lily; and many heartbroken family members, classmates, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Benjamin Forker; maternal great-grandfather, Leonard Praska; maternal great-grandparents, George and Anne Fisher; and paternal great-grandparents, Ivan and Irene Heidt.

Lauren was born Oct. 19, 2003, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Robb and Amy (Fisher) Blanchard. She was a third grade student at North-Linn Walker Elementary. Lauren enjoyed fishing, dancing, sports (including softball and basketball), and spending time with her family and friends. She truly knew no strangers. Everyone who knew Lauren loved her and her wonderful spirit. Lauren lived every day to the fullest and only wanted those around her to be happy and to laugh with her.

Instead of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Blanchard Family Memorial, c/o City State Bank, 59 Fourth St. North, Central City, IA 52214.

Please sign the online guest book for Lauren at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Published Nov. 22, 2012 in The Gazette

2nd notice published Nov. 25, 2012 in The Gazette