Blanche L. Eklund

Blanche L. Eklund, 93, formerly of Mohawk Lane & Whitcomb Tower, St. Joseph, passed away Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at Jordan’s Life Care Center in Bridgman. Memorial Services celebrating her life will be held 12:00 Noon Saturday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Friends may call from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home. Private burial will take place at North Shore Memory Gardens. Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home, Michigan Alzheimer’s Association or St. Joseph-Lincoln Senior Center. Those wishing to sign Blanche’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Blanche was born March 31, 1919 in Gilman, Illinois to Jacob & Henrietta (Herr) Brown. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1937. In 1941 she married Carl F. Fischer, Jr. He preceded her suddenly in 1943. In 1948, she married Eugene Eklund and he preceded her in 1983. Blanche was employed at Remington Rand, and J. C. Penney’s in downtown Benton Harbor before gaining employment with Whirlpool Corp., and retiring in April 1984 after twenty years. She was an active member of the Peace Temple United Methodist Church in Benton Harbor, and enjoyed the time spent at the St. Joseph-Lincoln Senior Center. Blanche also enjoyed playing cards, dancing, sewing, crocheting, tending to her flower gardens, big band & country music. Blanche is survived by her children-Judy Carlene Carlson of St. Joseph, Meriellen Allen of Bartlett, IL, Todd (Kelly) Eklund of Hudsonville, MI; seven grandchildren-Joe Neuman, Rhonda Freeman, Danny (Sherry) Wright, Lance (Angie) Carlson, Brian Allen, Denise (Will) Lamer, & Michelle (Joel) Walters; twelve great-grandchildren-Brandi, Brooke, Brittany, Brianna, Bridgett, CJ, Cody, Wyatt, Brady, Kati, Jordyn, & Gavin; five great-great grandchildren-Autumn, Abbie, Weston, Cameron, & Ethan; three sisters-in-law-Joyce Bliss of St. Joseph, Arlene Eklund of Adrian, MI & June Ast of Marcellus, NY; and her niece Barbara Dorow of St. Joseph. In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her sister Maeanna Bermingham.