Lewis Blanchard

Lewis F. Blanchard, age 67, of Ottertail, went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 15, 2004, at home. Memorial services will be Tuesday, July 20, 11 a.m., at the Staples Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, with Reverend Harold Salem officiating. Private interment services will be at Thomastown Covenenant Church Cemetery.
Lewis Franklin Blanchard was born November 13, 1936 in Big Sandy, Tennessee, to Linus and Emma (Coleman) Blanchard. He was united in marriage to Marie Johnson June 8, 1957, in Chokio, Minnesota. He graduated from Crown College (formerly St. Paul Bible College) in 1961, with a bachelor?s degree in Divinity. He was ordained into ministry at Viola Lake Alliance Church in 1962, and pastored there until 1964. He served as pastor at the Staples Alliance Church from 1964-1968. He went to work for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, where he served as Crusade Director from 1968-2002. His passion in life was winning souls for Christ. Feeling like an ?old, worn-out shoe? when not in active ministry, he recently returned from retirement to pastor the Verndale Methodist and Central Methodist churches. Lewis enjoyed writing, and had written a humorous book entitled, ?How To Catch Nightcrawlers.? He was also a gifted musician, self-taught guitarist, and songwriter who often ministered to others through his music.

Lewis is survived by Marie, his wife of 47 years; children David (DeAnne) Blanchard, of Decorah, IA, Dean Blanchard, of Staples, DeAnne (John) Svedberg, of Waverly, IA, and Denise Blanchard, of Ocoee, FL; a brother, Paul (Frankie) Blanchard, of Perry, OH; and six grandchildren, Dean, Jr. ?DJ?, Travis and Emma Blanchard, and Alissa, Brian, and Anika Svedberg. His parents preceded him in death.