Joe Blanc Sr., of Turlock, passed away peacefully at Memorial Hospital on Tuesday evening to be reunited with his beloved wife Helen, who preceded him in death by 11 days. Joe was born in Turlock, the first C-section delivery by Dr. Eric Julien, to Emil Bernard and Anna Matilda Granberg Blanc. Emil was a butcher employed in various local stores and Anna was a mother and homemaker.
Joe attended Turlock Schools and graduated from Turlock High School. He played basketball in high school and was the pitcher in an adult fast pitch softball league after graduation. Joe’s first job was delivering feed for Peerless Milling to local dairies. While making a delivery on East Avenue in Turlock, he met and fell in love with Helen Smith. They were married for 73 years and together raised two sons, Joe Jr. and Harold.
Joe spent his life as a farmer. They had a dairy, including chickens. They also grew peaches and almonds. After retirement, he maintained a beautiful flower and vegetable garden, a tradition he continued until the age of 93.
Joe and Helen were faithful members of Crossroads Church. Over the years, Joe served as Sunday school superintendent, as a greeter, and as part of the bus ministry that transported senior citizens to church. He was also an avid fisherman and spent many hours at Don Pedro and McSwain Lakes with friends and grandsons.
He is survived by his sons, Joe Jr. and Harold (Kathy) Blanc, all of Turlock; grandsons, Jon, Todd, Ryan and Marc Blanc; granddaughter, Cheryse Nelson; eight great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Anna Blanc; his beloved wife, Helen Blanc; his son, Richard Blanc; granddaughter, Julie Cox; and daughter-in-law, Judy Moe Blanc.
Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 28 at Allen Mortuary. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 29 at Turlock Memorial Park. Please consider memorial contributions to Crossroads Church, 1360 N. Johnson Rd., Turlock.
Please leave memories at www.allenmortuary.com.
Joe attended Turlock Schools and graduated from Turlock High School. He played basketball in high school and was the pitcher in an adult fast pitch softball league after graduation. Joe’s first job was delivering feed for Peerless Milling to local dairies. While making a delivery on East Avenue in Turlock, he met and fell in love with Helen Smith. They were married for 73 years and together raised two sons, Joe Jr. and Harold.
Joe spent his life as a farmer. They had a dairy, including chickens. They also grew peaches and almonds. After retirement, he maintained a beautiful flower and vegetable garden, a tradition he continued until the age of 93.
Joe and Helen were faithful members of Crossroads Church. Over the years, Joe served as Sunday school superintendent, as a greeter, and as part of the bus ministry that transported senior citizens to church. He was also an avid fisherman and spent many hours at Don Pedro and McSwain Lakes with friends and grandsons.
He is survived by his sons, Joe Jr. and Harold (Kathy) Blanc, all of Turlock; grandsons, Jon, Todd, Ryan and Marc Blanc; granddaughter, Cheryse Nelson; eight great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Anna Blanc; his beloved wife, Helen Blanc; his son, Richard Blanc; granddaughter, Julie Cox; and daughter-in-law, Judy Moe Blanc.
Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 28 at Allen Mortuary. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 29 at Turlock Memorial Park. Please consider memorial contributions to Crossroads Church, 1360 N. Johnson Rd., Turlock.
Please leave memories at www.allenmortuary.com.
