Thomas Richard Blank
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Thomas Richard Blank, age 76, was born on March 7, 1944 and passed away on February 28, 2021 in Florence, AZ. He is survived by his wife, of 28 years, Christine Blank; four children: Michelle (Ted) Matson of Oro Valley, AZ; Thomas Okla (Debbie) Blank of LaPorte, IN; Jeff Griffiths of Alameda, CA; Ryan (Krystal) Blank of Michigan City, IN; and nine grandchildren: Madison Matson, Lucy Matson, Wyatt Matson, Nicholas Blank, Megan Blank, Ethan Blank, Dillon Blank, Emily Blank, Lennon Blank. He is also survived by two sisters, Marianne Meyer of Lady Lake, FL; and Julia (Ken) Potempa of Del Ray Beach, FL.
He was preceded in death by his parents Okla and Anne Blank and brother, Allan.
Tom was a lifelong native of Michigan City, IN, graduating in 1962 from MCHS. In 1971, earned a Bachelor of Science from Indiana University Business School of Accounting. For 20 years, he was an employee of NiSource at corporate headquarters in Hammond, IN.
Tom was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corp. after proudly serving three tours in the Vietnam War from 1964 through 1968 and receiving a Purple Heart.
Tom was active on the Board of Directors for Tonn & Blank Construction, Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, and Saint Anthony’s Hospice. He served as VFW quartermaster, and was a lifelong member of D.A.V., American Legion, Elks Lodge, Masonic Lodge and Potawatomi Country Club. He also served as commodore at the Michigan City Yacht Club.
Tom was a kind and patient soul who had a talent for cooking and entertaining. When he wasn’t fishing or hunting, he was an avid golfer, shooting a hole in one with two witnesses.
A celebration of Tom’s life will take place at Mountain View Cemetery in Mesa, AZ on Sunday, March 7, 2021. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations in Tom’s memory to the Wounded Warriors Organization, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org
Semper Fi
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Kim Long says: Ryan and Krystal – You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you guys!
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Ernie and Janet says:
We were so very sorry to here of Tom’s passing. Please know that we love you and are here for you. Everyone should have a neighbor like Tom. Just a really good person, with a quiet sense of humor, and a great love for Chris and his family and his dogs. We will miss him.
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Kay Welch and family says:
Our deepest sympathy to you all.
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Jeri Krokstad says:
Dear Chris & family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Tom was indeed a patient and kind man. And a very good cook — always had a pot of soup on the stove. We were neighbors and friends when living at the condos in Marquette. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jeri & John Krokstad, Marquette Michigan -
Bob Schaefer says:
Chris and family,
This world just lost a really good person! Friend, fellow worker, golfing partner, bar buddy, fellow Florida vacationer- we were fortunate to be around this great guy.
Bob and Jayne Schaefer -
Jan Duffy says:
Shelley and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t believe it has been this long since I have seen anyone in your family. Was thinking about you earlier in the week. Hope all else is well with you. -
Jenni Quintana says:
Sending our condolences! So sorry to hear of his passing! Praying and wishing you lots of beautiful memories to cherish!
Kim Long 
Ernie and Janet 
Kay Welch and family 
Jeri Krokstad 
Bob Schaefer 
Jan Duffy 
Jenni Quintana
Ryan and Krystal – You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you guys!
We were so very sorry to here of Tom’s passing. Please know that we love you and are here for you. Everyone should have a neighbor like Tom. Just a really good person, with a quiet sense of humor, and a great love for Chris and his family and his dogs. We will miss him.
Our deepest sympathy to you all.
Dear Chris & family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Tom was indeed a patient and kind man. And a very good cook — always had a pot of soup on the stove. We were neighbors and friends when living at the condos in Marquette. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jeri & John Krokstad, Marquette Michigan
Chris and family,
This world just lost a really good person! Friend, fellow worker, golfing partner, bar buddy, fellow Florida vacationer- we were fortunate to be around this great guy.
Bob and Jayne Schaefer
Shelley and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t believe it has been this long since I have seen anyone in your family. Was thinking about you earlier in the week. Hope all else is well with you.
Sending our condolences! So sorry to hear of his passing! Praying and wishing you lots of beautiful memories to cherish!