Brian G. Blanchard

life story

Brian was born to Barbara Ruble Blanchard and Erle Blanchard in Fairmont, Minnesota. He died in Elk River, Minnesota at BeeHive Homes of Elk River.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn, daughters Jan (Tim) Preble, Leanne (Don) Peterson and sons Dave (Lynell), Lyle (Kris) and Todd (Amy). Survived by grandchildren David (Amanda) Blanchard, Ali (Chris) Mayer, Stephanie (Joel) Fletcher, Alex Blanchard, Joshua Blanchard and Sarah (Bradley) Johnson, bonus grandchildren Abe, Adam and Eli Holte, Rachael Peterson Hart and Jacob Peterson, and six great-grandchildren: Julia and Connor Fletcher, Araya, Jacob, and Ruby Blanchard, and Elijah Johnson. Survived also by brother, Michael and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Brian Peterson and granddaughter Erin Blanchard.

Brian was baptized and confirmed at East Chain United Methodist Church. He grew up on a farm in rural East Chain, Minnesota and graduated from East Chain High School. He attended the University of Minnesota and after working at St. Paul Fire & Marine, became a financial representative for more than 55 years at Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. He earned his CLU, ChFc, CASL, and CFP to better serve his clients.

He met the love of his life, Marilyn, in the summer of 1959. After Marilyn attended the University of Minnesota, they married at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fairmont. They made their first home in Dallas, Texas. They returned to Minnesota and lived in Bloomington, later moving to Maple Grove, where they lived for nearly 38 years. In 2010 they moved to Big Lake, where Brian was thrilled to be able to fish right from his own backyard!

He was a charter member of Maple Grove Rotary and highly valued being part of this organization. He served a term as president and was also a Paul Harris Fellow. Brian also served on the planning commission for the city of Maple Grove for more than 20 years. He was a member of the North Hennepin Chamber of Commerce as well as the Big Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Brian was thankful and grateful every day. All who knew him likely heard him say at some point, “Something good happens EVERY day, but some days you just have to look harder to find it.”

He saw God’s hand in nature, his family and in life in general. He adored Marilyn and highly valued his family. He frequently stated his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his legacy. He cherished time with family and his favorite holiday was Thanksgiving.

Brian loved fishing, gardening, bird watching and all nature, and enjoyed being outside. He enjoyed watching sports of all kinds, but especially loved college basketball and the Minnesota Twins.

Memorials may be given to Maple Grove Rotary Foundation or to the charity of your choice.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

August 15, 2024

Immanuel United Methodist Church 10025 Brockton Ln N, Corcoran, MN 55340, USA

Visitation will be prior to the service from 9 - 11 AM.