Robert L. “Bob” Blanke Jr., 75, lost his battle with Alzheimer’s on March 5, 2016, with his family by his side in Florence, Alabama.
Visitation will be March 8, 2016, from 6-8 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with a rosary at 5:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be March 9, 2016 at 1 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Bob was born September 10, 1940 in Decatur to Robert L. “Bob” Blanke, Sr. and Helen Drager Blanke. They made Florence their home in 1948. His father founded Bob Blanke Sales Company and his mother was a homemaker.
He graduated from Coffee High School and attended college at Florence State University (now UNA). He spent his entire career helping his father build the family business as a salesperson.
A devout catholic, he served on the RCIA team and attended services regularly at St. Joseph Catholic Church until he was unable to continue due to his health. His interests included playing pool, body building and gun collecting.
Bob is survived by his loving wife Kathy Shotts Blanke; son, Robert “Trey” (Iris) Blanke, III; step-son, Wayne (Bethany) Young; and grandchildren, Kelsey and Ryan, He is also survived by his brother, Buddy (Rita) Blanke and his adoring sister, Sissy (Charles) Young as well as 5 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert “Bob” Blanke, Sr., and his mother, Helen Drager Blanke.
Special appreciation is expressed to Mitchell-Hollingsworth Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and Hospice of the Shoals for their care in his final months.
Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 4825 Trousdale Dr., Ste. 220, Nashville, TN 37220 or St. Joseph School Foundation, 115 Plum St., Florence, AL 35630.
You may sign the guestbook at sprywilliams.com
