Ronald John Blanchard

Ronald John Blanchard, 83, of St. Joseph, passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at his home. Memorial Mass will be celebrated 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 30, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Church St., St. Joseph, with Father James Morris officiating.  Friends may visit from 5:00 P.M until 8:00 P.M. with prayers recited at 7:30 P.M., Friday, January 29, 2016 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial Donations may be made to Lake Michigan Catholic School.  Those wishing to share a memory of Ronald may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com Ronald was born in Chicago, IL on November 23, 1932 to Raymond and Helen (Pawelczyk) Blanchard.  He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1952 until 1956.  While stationed in Waco, TX, he married Nellie “Joy” Latham on November 23, 1954.  He worked for Whirlpool Acceptance in the I.T. department as Vice President. He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and was on the parish council. In his spare time he enjoyed attending Lake Michigan Catholic sporting events, golfing, gardening – especially tomatoes, and was an avid Cubs, Bears, Bulls and Notre Dame fan. Ron is survived by his wife, Nellie “Joy” Blanchard of St. Joseph; two sons James (Kathleen) Blanchard of Coloma and Gregg (Kim) Blanchard of Stevensville; one daughter Mary Ann (John) Blanchard Price of Villa Rica, GA; 9 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded by his parents and daughter Nancy Blanchard Moore.