Henry W. "Hank" Blanke, age 89, of Plymouth, passed away on Wednesday, March
19, 2025.
Hank was born on April 1, 1935 in Plymouth, WI, son of the late Walter and Minnie
(Limberg) Blanke.
He attended Plymouth area grade schools and graduated from Plymouth High School
in 1953.
On May 28, 1955, he married Janet Endsley at St. John Lutheran Church in Plymouth.
The couple has resided in Plymouth since their marriage.
Hank worked in insurance sales for 43 years and was self-employed. He belonged to
the Wisconsin Professional Insurance Agents Association and Independent Insurance
Agents Association. He retired from the Insurance business in May 2000.
He was a lifetime member of St. John Lutheran Church in Plymouth where he taught
Sunday School, served 6 years on the School Board and 6 years on the board of
trustees. He also served on the board of stewardship and was a member of the
building and video committee in the church.
Hank served the Plymouth Community in many ways. He served as chairman of the
Plymouth American Red Cross Fund Drive, co-chairman of the USO fund drive and
served as the Plymouth Area chairman of United Way Fund. Hank helped the city of
Plymouth by serving on the Plymouth Park and Recreation commission for 6 years,
the Plymouth Utilities commission for 10 years, the Plymouth Plan commission for 6
years and the Plymouth Board of Appeals. He also served as officer and member of
the Plymouth Mill Pond Lake Association.
Hank held various offices and was a charter member of the Plymouth Jaycees from
1960-1972. He also belonged to the Plymouth Lions Club for 45 years serving from
1972 to 2017 holding various offices and was on several committees, co-chairing the
Lions Cheese Stand at the Sheboygan County Fair for 10 years. He was active in cub
scouts, boy scouts and little league and he helped organize and was the director for
Plymouth Jr. Football and the Plymouth Chapter-Ducks Unlimited. Hank also served
as a Director of the Plymouth Association of Commerce.
Hank served in the Wisconsin National Guard 32 Infantry Division for 6 years and was
a weapons platoon leader obtaining the rank of Sgt. First Class.
Hank and Janet enjoyed golfing, boating, skiing, camping, hunting, Florida vacations,
and traveling (especially their trips to Europe and South America). Hank also looked
forward to and enjoyed his Tuesday and Thursday morning coffee with the guys.
Survivors left behind to cherish his memory are: His loving wife of 69 years; Janet, two
sons: Henry D "Butch" (Tarry) Blanke of Black Earth, WI and Dean W. (Michelle)
Blanke of Elkhart Lake, eight grandchildren: Bailey (special friend Nick) of Elkhart
Lake, Olivia (Jeremy) Hentz of Oshkosh, Calie Blanke (special friend Eric) of
Milwaukee, Tara (Bryce) Becker of McFarland, Bradley Heinecke of Plymouth,
Brandon (Rebekah) Heinecke of Plymouth, Daniel Blanke (special friend Tonisha) of
Madison, Chelsey (Scott) Larson of Minnesota; five great-grandchildren: Ava,
Charlotte, Miles, Rowan and Norah; One sister-in-law: Beverly Endsley of Sheboygan.
He also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter: Julie Heinecke-Blanke, two
sisters: Jeanette (John) Pruss, and Waldine Robinson; four brothers-in-law: Robert
Endsley, John Endsley, Lavern Endsley, and George Robinson; and two sisters-in-
law: Alma Endsley and Elaine Endsley.
“I was so blessed to have two wonderful sons Henry (Butch) and Dean, who are my
best friends – always close to me and showed their love and caring. They were always
a joy to me. I will miss them and loved thеm so much. Thank you, my Lord. All this in
Jesus name.” HANK
Celebration of Life will be held on April 1, 2025 (Tuesday) at 2:00 PM at the Suchon
Funeral Home in Plymouth. Rev. John Schultz, Pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in
Plymouth will officiate. Hank will be laid to rest at the Greenbush Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth on April 1 st from 11:30 A.M.
until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John Lutheran Church in Plymouth in
memory of Hank.
The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Plymouth is serving the family.
For online condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com.
The Family would like to send a special thank you to Dr. Horth, Dr. Barry, and the staff
of the Waterford for the wonderful care given to Hank.
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