Blankman, Orville T.

Orville T. Blankman, 94, died Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, at Lakeview Village, Amana. Services: 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Watkins, with Father Jack McClure C.PP.S. officiating. Burial: St. Patrick and St. Paul Catholic Cemetery, Watkins. Visitation: 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the church, with Scripture service at 7 p.m.

Orville was born June 20, 1915, in Milhousen, Ind., to Bernard and Clara Hardebeck Blankman. On Nov. 26, 1940, he married Lorene E. Schulte at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Norway.

Survivors include his wife; daughters, Marlene (Gary) Turner, Carolyn Chittick (Gene Hines), Joyce Miller, Anita (Dennis) Kimm, Barbara (Gary) Volesky, Mary (Ronald) Wilhelmi and Laurie (Jeff) Becker; 29 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; a great great-grandchild; five stepgrandchildren; eight stepgreat-grandchildren; brother, James (Ruth) Blankman; and three sisters, Dorothy Witkemper, Rosemary Schroeder and Rita Waechter.

Preceding him in death were his parents; daughter, Dorothy Zaugg; great-granddaughter, Rebecca Peterson; five sisters, four brothers and three sons-in-law.

Orville was a lifelong farmer. He enjoyed baseball, pitching horseshoes, reading, fishing and hunting. He especially loved spending time at family gatherings with his girls and their families.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Lakeview Village and Essence of Hospice for the excellent care and support during this difficult time.

Arrangements are with Brosh Funeral Service of Norway.