BOONE, Iowa—John “Jack” Harry Blanshan, 91, of 203 Cedar Street in Boone, passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, April 22, 2022. He was born on October 5, 1930, in Boone the son of Harry and Elsie (Harten) Blanshan.
Jack was a graduate of Boone High School in 1948. He lettered in football and continued to be a Boone football fan his entire life. He was a veteran of the Korean war, enlisting in September 1954 serving in the Army as a counter mortar radar specialist while stationed in Germany. Following his military discharge, he attended the University of Iowa where he received both his undergraduate and law degrees. Post-graduation, Jack moved to Chicago, Illinois where he practiced law and met his wife, Roberta “Bobbie” Thorsten. They were married on April 12, 1969. For the next 13 years, Jack and Bobbie enjoyed their lives in Chicago, traveling extensively in the United States and parts of Europe, and welcomed two daughters, Amy and Susan.
In March, 1983, Jack moved his family back to his hometown of Boone. He was employed as an adjunct professor at Iowa State University Teaching Business Law and International Transportation Logistics. He loved teaching so much that he didn’t retire until 2007 at the age of 76! In his free time, Jack enjoyed playing golf with Bobbie, and their friends, and often entered in weekend tournaments throughout Iowa. He always had a twinkle in his eye when reciting how his golf day went. He also served his children and community by coaching little league softball and attended every single game rain or shine.
Throughout his life, Jack served on numerous Boards including President of Boone State Bank, and Boone Regency Retirement, and was a member of the American Legion. He loved his hometown and life-long friends, and was always up for the next golf outing, antique road trip, or dinner date. His biggest role in life was being a full-time caretaker to his late wife, Bobbie. His grace, patience, loyalty and love were his greatest gifts.
In his later years, Jack appreciated participating in multiple bridge clubs, playing poker and pitch with his best friends, and visiting his daughter, Susan, and her family in Minneapolis. He was also very fortunate to have his daughter, Amy, be his caretaker for many years and the love of his many beloved pets, Carrie, Katie, Rando, Gus and Joe. He kept a special place in his heart for his “fur people”.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Bobbie, and his brother, James “Jim” Blanshan.
He is survived by his 2 daughters Amy Blanshan of Boone, and Susan (Billy) McCarthy of Minneapolis; and 4 grandchildren Zachary Bjorklund of Bondurant, Andrew Dennis, Matt McCarthy and Thomas McCarthy of Minneapolis.
He was an amazing father, grandfather, husband and friend. He will be greatly missed.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, April 29, 2022 at the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets. Inurnment will be in Linwood Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (Jack’s favorite charity).
Online condolences may be left at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com.
Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets is in charge of arrangements.
John “Jack” Blanshan, 91, Boone, Iowa
