Joanne Blankemeier

Joanne Blankemeier age 83, of Continental, died Sunday afternoon, June 4, 2017 at Vancrest Healthcare Center of Holgate after a brief illness.

Her Legacy… She was born August 11, 1933 to Albin and Barbara “Tillie” (Kustra) Wierbicki in Ashland, Ohio.  Joanne graduated from Ashland High School.  On October 9, 1954 she married Bernard Blankemeier and he died on October 10, 1997. Joanne was a homemaker and dietician at the Defiance Hospital.  She was a life member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, North Creek and current member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, New Bavaria.  She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Continental.  Joanne enjoyed reading and spending time with her family.  Joanne’s family came first.  They stuck together through the good and the bad.

Her Family… She was loving mother to Steve (Linda) Blankemeier, Continental, Julie (Steve) Elchinger, Holgate, Karen Shiarla, New Bavaria, Linda (Rex) Fickel, Continental, and Jane (Mike) Ball, Continental; 8 grandchildren, Eric (Suzanne) Blankemeier, Amber (Steve) Flory, Ben (Stacy) Elchinger, Nick (Bailey) Elchinger, Heather Eppard, Danielle (Chris) Hedean, Jayme Shiarla, and Matt (Lisa) Ball; 12 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews with special nephew, Doug (Joan) McBride.  Joanne was preceded in death by her siblings, Walter Wierbiki, Marian McBride, and Florence Patterson.

Her Farewell Services… Friends will be received in the Zachrich Funeral Home, 114 William Street, Holgate on Wednesday from 2-8 pm with a family rosary at 1:30 pm.  On Thursday, June 8, 2017 everyone is invited to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, New Bavaria at 9:30 am with her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am with Father Nick Cunningham officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, North Creek.  Contributions made in Joanne’s memory can be made to Mercy St. Vincent Home Away from Home, Toledo and Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

If God said that I could choose a mother for myself.  I would have gone to heaven’s store and looked on every shelf.  There is no doubt that in my search I would have chosen you.  Of all the mothers I could find no other one would do.  But even though I had no choice, I am so richly blessed.  Our Father in his wisdom knew which one would suit me best.  For when He chose you as my own, He showed how much he cared.  Yes, heaven’s filled with all good things but you are one he shared.