William Richard Blanchet

William R. Blanchet, 93, of Harcourt, formerly of Fort Dodge passed away Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 17th, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Manson with Rev. Lynn Bruch, officiating. Military Rites will be given by the Manson American Legion Post 204 and the U.S. Army Honor Guard immediately following the mass. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the church in Manson. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Barnum. Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home is serving the family. William is survived by his children, Elizabeth Howe of Las Vegas, NV; Mary (Eddie) Davis of Amarillo, TX; Janice (Larry) Welter of Manson; and Catherine (Lonnie) Proveoux of Sheboygan, WI; 7 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; sister, Catherine Van Horn of Leon, IA; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Elizbeth (Miller) Blanchet; wife, Marcella in 2008; daughter, Rose Marie Blanchet; sons, Richard Blanchet and Thomas Blanchet; sister, Adeline Myer; brothers, Leo and James Blanchet; an infant sister; and his son-in-law, Pat Howe. William Richard Blanchet was born March 9, 1924 in Gilmore City. He was raised, attended schools and graduated from Gilmore City High School. He attended Iowa State University where he wrestled. On November 16, 1942, he married Marcella McLoughlin at St. Joseph Church in Barnum. William served 2 tours in the United States Army Air-Corp, serving during WWII and the Korean War. William and Marcella lived and raised their family in Webster County, spending 23 years in Fort Dodge, 15 years in Dayton, and in Harcourt. He was a founding member of Christ the King Church in Dayton and was also a past member of Sacred Heart Church in Fort Dodge. He served as the president of the American Legion Post in Harcourt, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, D.A.V. Veterans and was a past Boy Scout and 4-H Leader. He enjoyed dancing, gardening, camping and fishing. Memorials may be left to AMVETS Post 79 Women's Auxiliary in Marshalltown, Iowa.