Ronald F. Blank

Visitation Monday, September 27, 2021 at Parkway Apostolic Church 10940 S. Nicholson Road, Oak Creek, WI 53154 from 5:00 PM until time of the Funeral Service at 7:00 PM.

Family to Ronald Forrester Blank meant that you were always there when someone needed you, supported each other, and spent as much time with one another as possible. Ron lived his life fiercely loving Jesus, friends, and all the members of his family. Ron could always be found spending time with his buddies or playing a game of chess with his wife, Elaine. Ron’s footprints have walked across the hearts of so many and his memories will be cherished forever by all those who loved and knew him.

The 1950s were a decade of TV Dinners, Elvis, Rock & Roll, and I Love Lucy. Kids growing up in the 50’s enjoyed the luxury of playing outside freely in their neighborhoods without a care in the world since crime was low. In 1955, Rosa Parks defied the rules of the time by sitting in a “White Only” section of a city bus. For parents, Wilmer & Gerladine Blank (Evans), the decade was marked by the birth of their first child, Ronald Forrester Blank. Born June 24, 1951, Ron was the only child in his family for seven years. Once they arrived, however, Ron’s three younger siblings kept him busy! He had many responsibilities growing up, but the most important was helping to watch Vicki, Billijo, and Wilmer. The outdoors was always close to Ron’s heart. As a youngster growing up in New London, WI, he enjoyed being outside fishing or swimming in any river he could find. Ron graduated in 1969 from Clintonville High School. After graduation, Ron moved to Milwaukee, WI and held several different jobs. Life took a wonderful turn for Ron when he began working at the Falk Corporation. Rey Reyes was a fellow co-worker and became quick friends with Ron. Rey invited Ron to join him in a Bible study, and it was during this time that Ron truly found Jesus. Ron’s life was changed forever. The two friends became more like brothers and remained friends for the rest of their lives.

Ron was filled with the Holy Ghost when he was baptized in the name of Jesus in February of 1972 at a small Hispanic church in Milwaukee. His deep love for knowing more about God, led him to share this love freely with others. Ron’s love for God was shown through his kindness and generosity toward others; he shared his love by teaching Bible studies. In the mid-1970s, Ron began attending Parkway Apostolic Church. Ron began helping with Sunday School along with a woman named, Elaine Puchalski. Their love for God led them to be joined together as man and wife on September 11, 1976. The couple moved together, after their marriage, to Oconomowoc, WI so that they could be part of the growth of Abundant Life Church. Perhaps one of the proudest days of his life, was the day that the couple welcomed their first child together, David Jay, in 1979. A close second would be the birth of his daughter, Tracy, in 1980. Ron was always a kind and generous man, but more than anything he loved his family and spending time with them.

The Blank Family moved to South Milwaukee after Ron took a position with Wisconsin Electric (WE) as an apprentice power plant mechanic. Soon after, the family finally settled into Caledonia, WI. This provided Ron with the opportunity to raise his family loving the outdoors, just as he did growing up. Being an employee of the power plant was a fulfilling job for Ron. Unfortunately, during this time, Ron suffered a serious back injury while at work that required multiple surgeries. Ron had a heart attack shortly after his second back surgery. Due to his health issues, Ron retired as a power plant welder mechanic in 1962.

One of Ron’s greatest days was when his daughter Tracy married Anthony Zenobia. Anthony became son number two behind David. The family would further enlarge to include Frank and Judy Zenobia and Jenny Jacobi and her daughters. Though, nothing topped the birth of his grandchildren. Hearing the name “Grandpa” brought such joy to Ron. He quickly became involved with the grandkids any way he could. For the next nine years Ron filled his days with babysitting and running “Grandpa Ron’s Candy Shoppe” (he always had a trunk full of candy for the grandkids….still to this day). Summers were spent at the local parks and ponds catching frogs with his grandchildren. The muscle spasms and pain in his back never slowed Ron down; he simply carried his favorite folding rocking chair so that he could take a rest if he needed to. Holidays were special to Ron because it always brought family and friends together.

Over the years, Ron spent time “hanging with his buddies” whenever his grandkids didn’t need him. They would do farm projects, exercise, play cards, go out to dinner, go on vacations, really anything to spend time together. His best friend was always Elaine. The couple enjoyed playing chess together; sometimes Ron won, and sometimes he didn’t. Tragedy struck for Ron in June of 2020 when he lost his beloved son David. To help take his mind off his grief, Ron decided to get a German Shepherd puppy. The puppy’s name was DJay, and Ron enjoyed spending time with his daughter, Tracy, taking DJay to obedience school.

Ron was the life of the party no matter the occasion. He was known to be a movie spoiler by telling you the ending before the movie was over. Online shopping was something that Ron enjoyed doing, along with listening to country music; his favorite singers consisted of George Jones, Johnny Cash, and Randy Travis. Ron loved wearing his cowboy hat, jeans, and boots. He was a big man with an even bigger heart. He loved to read the Bible and share what he learned through teaching Bible Studies. Ron touched the hearts and lives of so many people over the years. Princess Diana once said, “family is the most important thing in the world.” For Ronald Blank, family was the center of his universe, and he spent his life making sure that they knew it.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22 – 23

Ronald Forrester Blank

Entered in his rest Saturday, September 18, 2021 at the age of 70. Ron is the beloved husband of Elaine M. Blank (nee Puchalski). Cherished father of the late David (Jennifer Jacobi) Blank and Tracy (Anthony) Zenobia. Loving grandfather Anthony Jr., Avonlea and Benjamin Zenobia and Ava Blank. Step grandfather of Alyssa and Addison. Dear brother of Billi Jo Fox, Vicki Blank and Wilmer (Sandy) Blank. Dear son-in-law of Jean Puchalski, brother-in-law of Barbara (Phil) Poulos and Tom Puchalski (Lainey). Further survived by other relatives and friends.

Visitation Monday, September 27, 2021 at Parkway Apostolic Church 10940 S. Nicholson Road, Oak Creek, WI 53154 from 5:00 PM until time of the Funeral Service at 7:00 PM