This memorial is for my Grandma Blanche. She was the first born child of William Blair and Clara Moe. The 1920 census shows grandma's family living in Duluth, MN and by the 1930 census she is found living with her parents in Superior, WI.
In 1929, Grandma's mother, Clara Moe Blair, contracted TB and become very ill. During this time my grandma had to care for her two younger brothers who were only ages 7 & 4 at the time. Soon after, Clara was sent to Middle River Sanatorium where she died at the age of 39 in June 1933. Grandma was deeply saddened by her mother's early passing. It was a huge loss to her and her family.
On August 31, 1931, Grandma Blanche married my Grandpa Thomas Johann Ritsche in Superior, Wisconsin. Grandma was 18 and grandpa was 28. To this union, two daughters were born, Irma Claire (Jan 1933) and Janice Blanche (Nov 1934).
Blanche and Tom had a very tumultuous relationship which ultimately ended in divorce in the 1950's. Grandma Blanche met the love of her life when she met "the big lovable Swede" Hank Wexall. They married in St. Louis, MN on April 1, 1963. They had a lot of fun together, wintering in Florida and summering in Wisconsin. They loved to fish and did everything together until Hank's death in 1988. When Hank passed away, she stopped going to Florida and she soon moved in with her younger daughter, Jan.
As a child I was always fascinated by Grandma's french twist hairdo, I'd never seen that type of hairdo before. When I was in elementary school and playing dress-up all the time, grandma sent me a huge box of her beautiful dresses with high heels and matching purses. I played in them for hours and hours! My grandma baked the best pies. My favorite part was the leftover pie crust dough which she would roll out then sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, baking it until it was puffed up and crispy. There was something special about using lard instead of shortening that made her crust incredible! It was a wonderful treat.
During the 1990's and early 2000's, grandma Blanche, auntie Jan and my mom Irma, all lived together in Jan's house in Superior. They were like the "Golden Girls" on television. They each had their own lazy boy chair and TV tray. They would watch all of their "shows" together, enjoying each others company now that they were widowed & alone. They played bingo A LOT! After all of the years that my mom Irma had lived in California and away from her mom and her sister, the ladies were so excited to reunite and share their golden years together as best friends.
Grandma had a few small strokes leading up to her passing. She was in a nursing home getting care when she suddenly passed away on July 16, 2003 at the age of 90. Grandma had kept her mind about her all those years, she was not going down without a fight. My mom Irma was absolutely devastated by grandma's passing. She thought they were going to be bringing grandma home. It really hurt my heart, I felt so sad for my mom, she was not prepared for grandma's death and she was absolutely heart-broken.
Not too long after grandma's passing, both auntie Jan and my mom Irma were diagnosed with Alzheimer's. My sweet auntie Jan has since passed from hers (2013) and my mom Irma is still living (2015). I know that grandma was there in heaven to greet Jan as she crossed-over and I know that she will be there for my mom when her time comes. They can then pick up where they left off, play some Bingo, and once again be together as the Golden Girls.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Daily Telegram
Superior, Wisconsin
July 16, 2003
Blanche V. (Blair) Ritsche Wexall, 90, of Superior, passed away Sunday, July 13, 2003 in Villa Marina Health and Rehabilitation center.
She was born Nov. 6, 1912 to William and Clara (Moe) Blair in Duluth. Blanche married Thomas Johann Ritsche on Aug. 31, 1931 in Superior. She later married Henry Wexall.
Blanche worked for the Roth family for several years. She then worked as a dental assistant and office manager for Dr. Neal O'Shaughnessy Sr.
Blanche later worked as a dental assistant and office manager for Dr. Ray Halverson until her retirement.
Blanche and Henry "Hank" spent their winters in Dunedin, Florida. Blanche was known to some as "Bingo Blanche". She loved playing bingo and was a dependable volunteer at the Superior Senior Center of which she was a member. Blanche was the originator of "Sadie Ladies", a group of ladies from East End and Allouez, who for years met for lunch and cards. The ladies: Helen Ritsche, Blanche Strum and Nina Horyza.
A few years after Hank passed away, Blanche moved in the her daughter, Janice Austin, where they were joined by her daughter, Irma Harmon. The three were known as "The Golden Girls". These "girls" were always having a good time and on the go. This kept Blanche very young. Blanche walked straight and tall and people will always remember that and her youthfulness. She was a sweet, kind, friendly lady full of love.
Blanche was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Evangelical Church until its merger with Pilgrim Lutheran. Blanche especially enjoyed the St. Lucia Tea.
She was a loving mother, helping to raise her two younger brothers after their mother passed away, to her two daughters and to many others. A dear friend to many, she will be deeply missed.
Blanche was preceded in death by her former husband, Thomas Ritsche, her second husband Hank Wexall, and a grandson, Roger Lee Austin. She is survived by her two daughters; two brothers; 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday in Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 820 Belknap Street, Superior, with Rev. William Wilson officiating.
Services entrusted to the cremation Society of Minnesota.
*There are additional photos for my grandma on this memorial, I hope you'll take the time to look them over. Thanks!
In 1929, Grandma's mother, Clara Moe Blair, contracted TB and become very ill. During this time my grandma had to care for her two younger brothers who were only ages 7 & 4 at the time. Soon after, Clara was sent to Middle River Sanatorium where she died at the age of 39 in June 1933. Grandma was deeply saddened by her mother's early passing. It was a huge loss to her and her family.
On August 31, 1931, Grandma Blanche married my Grandpa Thomas Johann Ritsche in Superior, Wisconsin. Grandma was 18 and grandpa was 28. To this union, two daughters were born, Irma Claire (Jan 1933) and Janice Blanche (Nov 1934).
Blanche and Tom had a very tumultuous relationship which ultimately ended in divorce in the 1950's. Grandma Blanche met the love of her life when she met "the big lovable Swede" Hank Wexall. They married in St. Louis, MN on April 1, 1963. They had a lot of fun together, wintering in Florida and summering in Wisconsin. They loved to fish and did everything together until Hank's death in 1988. When Hank passed away, she stopped going to Florida and she soon moved in with her younger daughter, Jan.
As a child I was always fascinated by Grandma's french twist hairdo, I'd never seen that type of hairdo before. When I was in elementary school and playing dress-up all the time, grandma sent me a huge box of her beautiful dresses with high heels and matching purses. I played in them for hours and hours! My grandma baked the best pies. My favorite part was the leftover pie crust dough which she would roll out then sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, baking it until it was puffed up and crispy. There was something special about using lard instead of shortening that made her crust incredible! It was a wonderful treat.
During the 1990's and early 2000's, grandma Blanche, auntie Jan and my mom Irma, all lived together in Jan's house in Superior. They were like the "Golden Girls" on television. They each had their own lazy boy chair and TV tray. They would watch all of their "shows" together, enjoying each others company now that they were widowed & alone. They played bingo A LOT! After all of the years that my mom Irma had lived in California and away from her mom and her sister, the ladies were so excited to reunite and share their golden years together as best friends.
Grandma had a few small strokes leading up to her passing. She was in a nursing home getting care when she suddenly passed away on July 16, 2003 at the age of 90. Grandma had kept her mind about her all those years, she was not going down without a fight. My mom Irma was absolutely devastated by grandma's passing. She thought they were going to be bringing grandma home. It really hurt my heart, I felt so sad for my mom, she was not prepared for grandma's death and she was absolutely heart-broken.
Not too long after grandma's passing, both auntie Jan and my mom Irma were diagnosed with Alzheimer's. My sweet auntie Jan has since passed from hers (2013) and my mom Irma is still living (2015). I know that grandma was there in heaven to greet Jan as she crossed-over and I know that she will be there for my mom when her time comes. They can then pick up where they left off, play some Bingo, and once again be together as the Golden Girls.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Daily Telegram
Superior, Wisconsin
July 16, 2003
Blanche V. (Blair) Ritsche Wexall, 90, of Superior, passed away Sunday, July 13, 2003 in Villa Marina Health and Rehabilitation center.
She was born Nov. 6, 1912 to William and Clara (Moe) Blair in Duluth. Blanche married Thomas Johann Ritsche on Aug. 31, 1931 in Superior. She later married Henry Wexall.
Blanche worked for the Roth family for several years. She then worked as a dental assistant and office manager for Dr. Neal O'Shaughnessy Sr.
Blanche later worked as a dental assistant and office manager for Dr. Ray Halverson until her retirement.
Blanche and Henry "Hank" spent their winters in Dunedin, Florida. Blanche was known to some as "Bingo Blanche". She loved playing bingo and was a dependable volunteer at the Superior Senior Center of which she was a member. Blanche was the originator of "Sadie Ladies", a group of ladies from East End and Allouez, who for years met for lunch and cards. The ladies: Helen Ritsche, Blanche Strum and Nina Horyza.
A few years after Hank passed away, Blanche moved in the her daughter, Janice Austin, where they were joined by her daughter, Irma Harmon. The three were known as "The Golden Girls". These "girls" were always having a good time and on the go. This kept Blanche very young. Blanche walked straight and tall and people will always remember that and her youthfulness. She was a sweet, kind, friendly lady full of love.
Blanche was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Evangelical Church until its merger with Pilgrim Lutheran. Blanche especially enjoyed the St. Lucia Tea.
She was a loving mother, helping to raise her two younger brothers after their mother passed away, to her two daughters and to many others. A dear friend to many, she will be deeply missed.
Blanche was preceded in death by her former husband, Thomas Ritsche, her second husband Hank Wexall, and a grandson, Roger Lee Austin. She is survived by her two daughters; two brothers; 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday in Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 820 Belknap Street, Superior, with Rev. William Wilson officiating.
Services entrusted to the cremation Society of Minnesota.
*There are additional photos for my grandma on this memorial, I hope you'll take the time to look them over. Thanks!
This memorial is for my Grandma Blanche. She was the first born child of William Blair and Clara Moe. The 1920 census shows grandma's family living in Duluth, MN and by the 1930 census she is found living with her parents in Superior, WI.
In 1929, Grandma's mother, Clara Moe Blair, contracted TB and become very ill. During this time my grandma had to care for her two younger brothers who were only ages 7 & 4 at the time. Soon after, Clara was sent to Middle River Sanatorium where she died at the age of 39 in June 1933. Grandma was deeply saddened by her mother's early passing. It was a huge loss to her and her family.
On August 31, 1931, Grandma Blanche married my Grandpa Thomas Johann Ritsche in Superior, Wisconsin. Grandma was 18 and grandpa was 28. To this union, two daughters were born, Irma Claire (Jan 1933) and Janice Blanche (Nov 1934).
Blanche and Tom had a very tumultuous relationship which ultimately ended in divorce in the 1950's. Grandma Blanche met the love of her life when she met "the big lovable Swede" Hank Wexall. They married in St. Louis, MN on April 1, 1963. They had a lot of fun together, wintering in Florida and summering in Wisconsin. They loved to fish and did everything together until Hank's death in 1988. When Hank passed away, she stopped going to Florida and she soon moved in with her younger daughter, Jan.
As a child I was always fascinated by Grandma's french twist hairdo, I'd never seen that type of hairdo before. When I was in elementary school and playing dress-up all the time, grandma sent me a huge box of her beautiful dresses with high heels and matching purses. I played in them for hours and hours! My grandma baked the best pies. My favorite part was the leftover pie crust dough which she would roll out then sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, baking it until it was puffed up and crispy. There was something special about using lard instead of shortening that made her crust incredible! It was a wonderful treat.
During the 1990's and early 2000's, grandma Blanche, auntie Jan and my mom Irma, all lived together in Jan's house in Superior. They were like the "Golden Girls" on television. They each had their own lazy boy chair and TV tray. They would watch all of their "shows" together, enjoying each others company now that they were widowed & alone. They played bingo A LOT! After all of the years that my mom Irma had lived in California and away from her mom and her sister, the ladies were so excited to reunite and share their golden years together as best friends.
Grandma had a few small strokes leading up to her passing. She was in a nursing home getting care when she suddenly passed away on July 16, 2003 at the age of 90. Grandma had kept her mind about her all those years, she was not going down without a fight. My mom Irma was absolutely devastated by grandma's passing. She thought they were going to be bringing grandma home. It really hurt my heart, I felt so sad for my mom, she was not prepared for grandma's death and she was absolutely heart-broken.
Not too long after grandma's passing, both auntie Jan and my mom Irma were diagnosed with Alzheimer's. My sweet auntie Jan has since passed from hers (2013) and my mom Irma is still living (2015). I know that grandma was there in heaven to greet Jan as she crossed-over and I know that she will be there for my mom when her time comes. They can then pick up where they left off, play some Bingo, and once again be together as the Golden Girls.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Daily Telegram
Superior, Wisconsin
July 16, 2003
Blanche V. (Blair) Ritsche Wexall, 90, of Superior, passed away Sunday, July 13, 2003 in Villa Marina Health and Rehabilitation center.
She was born Nov. 6, 1912 to William and Clara (Moe) Blair in Duluth. Blanche married Thomas Johann Ritsche on Aug. 31, 1931 in Superior. She later married Henry Wexall.
Blanche worked for the Roth family for several years. She then worked as a dental assistant and office manager for Dr. Neal O'Shaughnessy Sr.
Blanche later worked as a dental assistant and office manager for Dr. Ray Halverson until her retirement.
Blanche and Henry "Hank" spent their winters in Dunedin, Florida. Blanche was known to some as "Bingo Blanche". She loved playing bingo and was a dependable volunteer at the Superior Senior Center of which she was a member. Blanche was the originator of "Sadie Ladies", a group of ladies from East End and Allouez, who for years met for lunch and cards. The ladies: Helen Ritsche, Blanche Strum and Nina Horyza.
A few years after Hank passed away, Blanche moved in the her daughter, Janice Austin, where they were joined by her daughter, Irma Harmon. The three were known as "The Golden Girls". These "girls" were always having a good time and on the go. This kept Blanche very young. Blanche walked straight and tall and people will always remember that and her youthfulness. She was a sweet, kind, friendly lady full of love.
Blanche was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Evangelical Church until its merger with Pilgrim Lutheran. Blanche especially enjoyed the St. Lucia Tea.
She was a loving mother, helping to raise her two younger brothers after their mother passed away, to her two daughters and to many others. A dear friend to many, she will be deeply missed.
Blanche was preceded in death by her former husband, Thomas Ritsche, her second husband Hank Wexall, and a grandson, Roger Lee Austin. She is survived by her two daughters; two brothers; 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday in Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 820 Belknap Street, Superior, with Rev. William Wilson officiating.
Services entrusted to the cremation Society of Minnesota.
*There are additional photos for my grandma on this memorial, I hope you'll take the time to look them over. Thanks!
In 1929, Grandma's mother, Clara Moe Blair, contracted TB and become very ill. During this time my grandma had to care for her two younger brothers who were only ages 7 & 4 at the time. Soon after, Clara was sent to Middle River Sanatorium where she died at the age of 39 in June 1933. Grandma was deeply saddened by her mother's early passing. It was a huge loss to her and her family.
On August 31, 1931, Grandma Blanche married my Grandpa Thomas Johann Ritsche in Superior, Wisconsin. Grandma was 18 and grandpa was 28. To this union, two daughters were born, Irma Claire (Jan 1933) and Janice Blanche (Nov 1934).
Blanche and Tom had a very tumultuous relationship which ultimately ended in divorce in the 1950's. Grandma Blanche met the love of her life when she met "the big lovable Swede" Hank Wexall. They married in St. Louis, MN on April 1, 1963. They had a lot of fun together, wintering in Florida and summering in Wisconsin. They loved to fish and did everything together until Hank's death in 1988. When Hank passed away, she stopped going to Florida and she soon moved in with her younger daughter, Jan.
As a child I was always fascinated by Grandma's french twist hairdo, I'd never seen that type of hairdo before. When I was in elementary school and playing dress-up all the time, grandma sent me a huge box of her beautiful dresses with high heels and matching purses. I played in them for hours and hours! My grandma baked the best pies. My favorite part was the leftover pie crust dough which she would roll out then sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, baking it until it was puffed up and crispy. There was something special about using lard instead of shortening that made her crust incredible! It was a wonderful treat.
During the 1990's and early 2000's, grandma Blanche, auntie Jan and my mom Irma, all lived together in Jan's house in Superior. They were like the "Golden Girls" on television. They each had their own lazy boy chair and TV tray. They would watch all of their "shows" together, enjoying each others company now that they were widowed & alone. They played bingo A LOT! After all of the years that my mom Irma had lived in California and away from her mom and her sister, the ladies were so excited to reunite and share their golden years together as best friends.
Grandma had a few small strokes leading up to her passing. She was in a nursing home getting care when she suddenly passed away on July 16, 2003 at the age of 90. Grandma had kept her mind about her all those years, she was not going down without a fight. My mom Irma was absolutely devastated by grandma's passing. She thought they were going to be bringing grandma home. It really hurt my heart, I felt so sad for my mom, she was not prepared for grandma's death and she was absolutely heart-broken.
Not too long after grandma's passing, both auntie Jan and my mom Irma were diagnosed with Alzheimer's. My sweet auntie Jan has since passed from hers (2013) and my mom Irma is still living (2015). I know that grandma was there in heaven to greet Jan as she crossed-over and I know that she will be there for my mom when her time comes. They can then pick up where they left off, play some Bingo, and once again be together as the Golden Girls.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Daily Telegram
Superior, Wisconsin
July 16, 2003
Blanche V. (Blair) Ritsche Wexall, 90, of Superior, passed away Sunday, July 13, 2003 in Villa Marina Health and Rehabilitation center.
She was born Nov. 6, 1912 to William and Clara (Moe) Blair in Duluth. Blanche married Thomas Johann Ritsche on Aug. 31, 1931 in Superior. She later married Henry Wexall.
Blanche worked for the Roth family for several years. She then worked as a dental assistant and office manager for Dr. Neal O'Shaughnessy Sr.
Blanche later worked as a dental assistant and office manager for Dr. Ray Halverson until her retirement.
Blanche and Henry "Hank" spent their winters in Dunedin, Florida. Blanche was known to some as "Bingo Blanche". She loved playing bingo and was a dependable volunteer at the Superior Senior Center of which she was a member. Blanche was the originator of "Sadie Ladies", a group of ladies from East End and Allouez, who for years met for lunch and cards. The ladies: Helen Ritsche, Blanche Strum and Nina Horyza.
A few years after Hank passed away, Blanche moved in the her daughter, Janice Austin, where they were joined by her daughter, Irma Harmon. The three were known as "The Golden Girls". These "girls" were always having a good time and on the go. This kept Blanche very young. Blanche walked straight and tall and people will always remember that and her youthfulness. She was a sweet, kind, friendly lady full of love.
Blanche was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Evangelical Church until its merger with Pilgrim Lutheran. Blanche especially enjoyed the St. Lucia Tea.
She was a loving mother, helping to raise her two younger brothers after their mother passed away, to her two daughters and to many others. A dear friend to many, she will be deeply missed.
Blanche was preceded in death by her former husband, Thomas Ritsche, her second husband Hank Wexall, and a grandson, Roger Lee Austin. She is survived by her two daughters; two brothers; 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday in Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 820 Belknap Street, Superior, with Rev. William Wilson officiating.
Services entrusted to the cremation Society of Minnesota.
*There are additional photos for my grandma on this memorial, I hope you'll take the time to look them over. Thanks!
