Harvey Douglas Blanshan

Mankato Mortuary 1001 N. Riverfront Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 388-2202 Harvey Blanshan, age 82, Mankato, Minnesota passed away at his home on April 1, 2015. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 6, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Rev. Will Thompson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Minneopa Cemetery. Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the family. Harvey was born September 2, 1932 to Ralph and Fern Blanshan. Harvey attended school in Mankato, MN. He joined the Navy on July 10, 1951 and served on the USS Watson and USS Bushnell during the Korean War. He married Mary (Cedardahl) Thamert at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in North Mankato, MN on October 27, 1953. Harvey was a Captain on the Mankato Police Department where he served from 1961-1977, then moved to Battle Lake, MN, where he and Mary owned and operated Riverside Resort before moving to Arizona where he was Director of Public Services for South Mountain College until he retired. Upon retirement Harvey and Mary moved to Baxter, MN until Mary's death in 2005, at which time Harvey moved back to his birthplace, Mankato, MN. Harvey was a devoted father, grandfather, brother and friend where he enjoyed laughter and sharing stories. He was extremely proud of his five children, 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, playing cards, hunting, watching sports (especially his Minnesota Twins) and spending time with his Navy brothers. Harvey is survived by his five children, Terry Hopp of Minneapolis, MN; Robin (Cory) Sorgenfrie of Rochester, MN; Harvey "Jay" Blanshan of Mankato, MN; Linda (Dale) Conrady of Anaconda, MT; and Michael (Maggie) Blanshan of Woodbury, MN; 11 grandchildren, Nathan, Kevin, and William Hopp, Cristina, Cristopher, Kacie, Brent, and Brittany Sorgenfrie, Jennifer Hanson, Bethany Ablan, and Steven Blanshan; 11 great-grandchildren; one sister, Sandy Mulvehill; and three brothers, Garry Blanshan, Jim (Florence) Blanshan and Albert (Bonnie) Blanshan. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; parents, Ralph and Fern Blanshan; sister, Donna Jean Yokiel; brother, Robert Blanshan; infant brother, Duane Blanshan; and his grandson, Bobby. The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to Mankato Hospice for all they have done for their father these past months.