Doris M. Blanke, age 88, of New Bremen, died on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 3:35 a.m. at the Otterbein Retirement Community, St. Marys.

She was born on April 14, 1935, in St. Marys, the daughter of the late Julius and Marie (Liesner) Broerman. On April 21, 1956 she married Richard W. Blanke who preceded her in death on September 10, 2008.

Survivors include her children: Valerie Blanke of Chicago, Ill., Vicki Blaser of New Bremen, Dianne (Danny Williams) Blanke of Denver, Colo., and Bob (Sarah) Blanke of Erie, Colo.; five grandchildren; her siblings: Don Broerman of Rocky River, Ohio; Betty McIntyre of Carmichael, Calif., and Thelma Eulitt of Muncie, Ind.; and her sister-in-laws Pat Broerman of Dayton and Chely Broerman of Fredericktown, Ohio.

Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, siblings Melvin Broerman, Sister Rose Margaret Broerman CPPS., and Julius Broerman and her son in-law Tom Blaser.

Doris was a member of the St. Paul United Church of Christ in New Bremen where she was an active member, serving on several committees and ministries. She gave of her time at many other causes throughout the area including as an EMT with the New Bremen EMS for 10 years, volunteered at the Agape Ministries in St. Marys and as a Cub Scout Leader for a number of years. She was a 1953 graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School, and a 1973 graduate of WSU Lake Campus with a B.S. in Elementary Education and Special Education. She was employed in the efficiency dept. at Goodyear, St. Marys from 1954 through 1958 and then as a classroom teacher at the ABC Center (former Auglaize School) in New Bremen until her retirement in 1996. Doris, along with her husband, loved to travel but spending time with her family was very important and the one thing she enjoyed the most.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions in memory of Doris may be made to the St. Paul United Church of Christ Memorial Fund or to Agape Ministries in St. Marys.

Condolences and memories can be shared with the Blanke family online at www.gilberghartwigfh.com.