Virgil Blanchard

FUNERAL SERVICES : 11:00 am on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN.VISITATION : 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Friday, March 18, 2011 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN and for one hour prior to the services on Saturday.INTERMENT : Hubbard Cemetery, Park Rapids, MNSURVIVORS : His wife, Eleanor; his brother in law and sisters in law: Bud and Anna Johanning of Park Rapids and Betty Bailey of Mpls. VIRGIL ELROY BLANCHARDJanuary 20, 1920 " March 11, 2011 Virgil Elroy Blanchard, age 91, a lifelong Hubbard Township area resident, peacefully passed into eternity on Friday evening, March 11, 2011 at the Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga with his precious wife, Eleanor at his side. Virgil "Stub" was born on January 20th, 1920 in Shell River Township of Wadena County, MN to Chancy and Jennie (Hills) Blanchard. It was in this same area that he attended country school and grew into manhood working on his father"s farm. Virgil grew up in a very musical family and learned how to play the violin and accordion by ear. Starting at eight years of age, Virgil played in a band with his mother and two brothers which was known as the "Blanchard Family Band". On June 21, 1944, Virgil was united in marriage to Eleanor Marilyn Johanning. Shortly after their marriage, they purchased a farm in Hubbard Township where they bred a fine herd of dairy cattle and hogs and also farmed the land to produce the feed needed for their livestock. In addition to farming, Virg also started and played many bookings with a dance band of which he was the leader. In 1958, they sold the livestock and moved to Minneapolis where he gained employment as a machinist for the Minneapolis-Moline Tractor Co. and the Advanced Machine Company. Virg did not like big city life and in 1963 he and Eleanor returned to their farm in Hubbard Township where Virgil bought a sawmill and started a custom sawing business which he operated until 1980. From 1986 " 2006, Virgil and Eleanor spent their winters in Texas where he organized another band called "Virg Blanchard and the Happy Notes". Virg kept a very busy schedule with the band as they played throughout the Rio Grande Valley of Texas and for many years played for the Brownsville Winter Fest in Brownsville, Texas. Virg loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed fishing, hunting and snowmobiling. For many years he played third base for the Hubbard baseball team. Above all, Virg devoted his entire life to his loving wife, Eleanor who he loved with all his heart. Virg will be lovingly remembered by his faithful wife for the past 66 years, Eleanor; his brother in law and sisters in law: Bud and Anna Johanning of Park Rapids and Betty Bailey of Mpls; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters: Rosie, Zini, Hemi, and Hattie Louise; as well as two brothers: Mike and Lewis. Funeral services have been set for 11 AM Saturday, March 19, 2011 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids with Dr. Vern Erickson and Rev. Clyde Allebach officiating. Vocalists will be Jean Dissmore-John and Mary Duberowski who will sing, "Amazing Grace" and "In The Garden"; Frank Lamb who will sing, "Beyond the Sunset" and "Rocking Alone". A recorded tribute of "The Green Green Grass of Home" sung by Harold "Rip" Ripley will be played. The active casket bearers will be: Mike Bailey, Lester Zentner, Dick Blanchard, Dean Estabrooks, Eldon Eckert and Ron Ware. The honorary casketbearers will be: Ray and Lillelue Rosenberg, Bonnie Newhouse, Pam Blanchard, Francis Estabrooks, Jean Eckert, Delores Lamb and Pat Ware. Interment will be made in the Hubbard Cemetery. Following the services, a luncheon will be hosted at the Hubbard Community Center. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Friday at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home and again on Saturday at the funeral home beginning at 10 AM.