DORIS M. BLANKE, age 88
Of New Bremen, died on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 3:35 A.M. at the Otterbein Retirement Community, St. Marys, OH. She was born on April 14, 1935 in St. Marys, the daughter of the late Julius and Marie (Liesner) Broerman. On April 21, 1956 she married Richard W. Blanke who preceded her in death on September 10, 2008. Doris is survived by her children: Valerie Blanke and her partner Harold Higgins of Chicago, IL, Vicki Blaser of New Bremen, OH, Dianne Blanke and her husband Danny Williams of Denver, CO, and Bob Blanke and his wife Sarah of Erie, CO; five grandchildren; and her siblings: Don Broerman of Rocky River, OH, Betty McIntyre of Carmichael, CA, and Thelma Eulitt of Muncie, IN; as well as her sisters in-law Pat Broerman of Dayton, OH, and Chely Broerman of Fredericktown, OH. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, and siblings: Melvin Broerman, Sister Rose Margaret Broerman CPPS., and Julius Broerman, Jr.; as well as her son in-law Tom Blaser.
Doris was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in New Bremen where she served on several committees and ministries. She gave of her time at many other causes throughout the area including being an EMT with the New Bremen EMS for 10 years, volunteering at the Agape Ministries in St. Marys and as a Cub Scout Leader for a number of years. She was a 1953 graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School, and a 1973 graduate of WSU Lake Campus with a B.S. in Elementary Education and Special Education. She was employed in the efficiency department at Goodyear in St. Marys from 1954 through 1958 and then as a classroom teacher at the ABC Center (former Auglaize School) in New Bremen until her retirement in 1996. Doris, and her husband Richard, loved to travel and enjoyed traveling to many places around the world. Most importantly, though, Doris loved spending time with her family and friends.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in memory of Doris may be made to the St. Paul United Church of Christ Memorial Fund or to Agape Ministries in St. Marys. Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen is assisting the family with arrangements, and condolences and memories can be shared with the Blanke family online at www.gilberghartwigfh.com