John H. Blanner

John H. Blanner, 95, of Woodstock, passed away on Monday, October 29, 2018 at Rosewood Care Center in Rockford after a prolonged illness.

He was born October 10, 1923 in Omaha Nebraska to Carl and Anna (Nielsen) Blanner and was one of seven children. He was preceded in death by bis parents; his wife, Maxine “Mickey” who was his high school sweetheart and love of his live; infant son, John Carl Blanner; grandson, Jimmy Baartz; and siblings, Stella Calbow, Lillian Conway Braidwood, Helen Spantideas Magnuson, Allan Blanner, Vernon Blanner, and his oldest brother Carlos who remained in Denmark when bis parents immigrated to the United States.

He is survived by his three children, Kris (Lawrence) Clark, Kathy (Chuck) Clark, and Karen (Jim) Baartz, all of Woodstock; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; a brother, Donald Blanner of Bonita Springs, Florida, and many nieces and nephews.

John was a proud veteran of World War II having served as a rifleman in the 1st Calvary Division of the 7th Calvary Regiment, having received 5 overseas service bars for his bravery in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater with 4 bronze battle stars; the Philippine Liberation with 2 bronze stars; the bronze medal arrowhead and World War II Victory Medal.  He always expressed his compassion and sense of loss for his fellow soldiers, friends and countrymen who were not as fortunate as him in surviving the ordeal they were faced with.

He spent most of his life self employed as a calf buyer traveling the central states of America in search of the best veal calves for his clients. These travels created many friends in the farming community and his absence from the business left a large void.

John was always there for his family and friends whenever the need arose and his love for wildlife of all manner was admired. He would rather collect and turn a pest out than eradicate one. His backyard squirrel "Notch" who would eat walnuts from his jeans pocket was always a subject of amusement with his children and grandchildren.

Burial services will be private.

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