Martha Z. Blanke

Martha Z. Blanke 96, formerly of Athens died Monday, April 14, 2008 under the care of Ministry Home Care Hospice at Bethel Center, Arpin. She was born August 1, 1911 on a farm in the town of Johnson, the fifth child of the late Frank Beran and Anna Herout. On May 8, 1943 she married Fred Blanke at Christ United Church, Colby. He preceded her in death on February 7, 1976. Martha worked at the National Shoe Factory in Wausau and also in Manitowoc at a tinsel factory for many years. Along with her husband Fred, they owned and operated a dairy farm in the town of Bern until her retirement. She was an active member of the Women's Club and also the Women's Guild at the Christ United Church, both of Athens. Some of Martha's favorite pastimes included bird watching, reading, fishing, gardening, baking, sewing and crocheting. Martha took great pride in being a grandmother and great grandmother and will be fondly remembered for the doilies she created for all her grandkids and the special others who received them. Living family members include her three daughters, Barbara (Donald) Binder, Marshfield, Jean Holland, Plover and Janice (John Bastian) Blanke, Weir, Quebec, Canada, six granddaughters, four grandsons, twelve great grandchildren and nine nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband she was preceded in death by one grandson, Keith Binder, one brother and four sisters and one niece. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 19, 2008 at Christ United Church, Athens. The Rev. Kenneth A. Dix will officiate. Burial will be in the Athens Village Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens and again on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Martha's name. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com