Tessie Maxine Blanchard

TESSIE MAXINE BLANCHARD

November 26, 1939 – May 28, 2019

                Tessie Maxine Blanchard, age 79 of Osage, MN, passed from this life to eternal life following an intense week of major health complications at the Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND in the early morning hours of Monday, May 28^th, 2019 surrounded by her loved ones.

                Tess was born on November 26, 1939 in Park Rapids, MN to Roscoe and Ada (Ogden) Dickinson.  She grew up on the family farm west of Park Rapids where she helped with the daily rigors of farm life; milking the cows, helping with feeding chores, picking rocks, putting up hay and learning the skills of homemaking as well.  Tess graduated from the Park Rapids High School with the Class of 1957.  Shortly after graduating, Tess ventured down to Minneapolis where she gained employment and lived for a year or so before returning to Park Rapids.  Tess then began working for the Bell Telephone Company in Park Rapids as a switchboard operator for several years.  On October 1^st, 1960, Tess was united in marriage to Frank “Doc” Blanchard at the Riverside United Methodist Church in Park Rapids.  They were blessed with two children: Traci and Tim.  Tess devoted herself to making a loving home for her husband and children.  She was a wonderful cook and baker and especially enjoyed working outside in her garden and beautiful flower beds.  In addition, she continued working in her career with the Bell Telephone Company, at the end commuting to Bell Telephone Company offices in Detroit Lakes for a time.  Later, she worked with her husband at Doc’s Truck Stop where she ran the kitchen and managed the bookkeeping responsibilities for many years.  Tess had a profound love for animals including her beloved pets.  She also enjoyed feeding and watching the birds and deer that graced their property.  She and Doc endured the heartache of losing their only son, Tim, at age 19 in a tragic car accident on March 10, 1992.  She was a longtime member of the Eagles Aerie #870 in Park Rapids and for many years bowled on the Park Rapids Women’s Bowling League.  She was a keen card player and always enjoyed getting together to play with her family and friends. 

                She will be lovingly remembered by her husband for the past 59 years, Doc of Osage; her daughter, Traci (Ray) Ahart of Park Rapids; her granddaughter, Taylor (Luke) Ahart of Brainerd; her great grand-daughter, Kasey Condiff also of Brainerd; her two sisters: Louise (Dean) Christianson of Ponsford and Irene (Dan) Gartner of Two Inlets, MN; her brother, Jim Dickinson of Park Rapids as well as many nieces and nephews; including two very special nieces that she was very close with, Sue Burlingame and Janet Blanchard; other relatives and many friends.

                Tess was preceded in death by her son, Tim; her parents; and her three brothers: Chuck, Doug, and Tom Dickinson. 

                Memorial services will be held 4 PM Saturday, June 1, 2019, at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home with Rev. Ken Polley officiating.  Special music will be provided by Gail Ahart and Julia Pelzel.  Urn bearers will be Jim Dickinson, Louise Christianson, and Irene Gartner.  Honorary urn bearers will be her three deceased brothers: Doug, Chuck, and Tom Dickinson.  Tess will be laid to rest next to her son, Tim in the Blanchard family plot at the Riverside Cemetery in Osage.  Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service on Saturday.   A luncheon will be hosted by the American Legion following the service.

To leave online condolences or to view the tribute video please visit www.jonespearson.com