Ralph Blanshan

Ralph P. Blanshan, 92, Green Bay, passed away Sunday, April 29, 2012. He was born March 1, 1920, in Seymour, Wisconsin, to the late Peter and Fern (Russell) Blanshan. Ralph graduated from Seymour High School with the class of 1938. In June of 1941 he married Ethel Falk in the Town of Washington; they enjoyed 18 years together before Ethel passed away in June of 1959. Ralph proudly served his country in the US Army from 1944 until 1946 in the Armored Division. He married Ruth Anderson in July, 1961, in Green Bay. Ralph worked many years and retired from the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier. For many years Ralph was known as Santa Claus to hundreds of children in the Green Bay area.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth; 2 daughters, Marcia (James) Bethurem, Cecil, WI and Sue (Barbara Smith) Blanshan, Baltimore, MD; granddaughter, Jenny Bethurem, Ames, IA; sister, Jean Rohloff, Seymour; brother, Harold Blanshan, Tucson, AZ; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Ralph was preceded in death by his first wife, Ethel; his parents; sisters, Grace Proulx and Dorothy Moyle; and brother, Russell Blanshan.

Family and friends may call at First United Methodist Church, 501 Howe Street, Green Bay, Wednesday, May 2, 2012, from 3:00p.m. until 6:30p.m. Visitation will continue on Thursday at the church from 9:30a.m. until 10:30a.m. A memorial service will be celebrated at 10:30a.m. at the church, Thursday, with Rev. Dave Wilkinson officiating. Burial will be in Nicolet Memorial Gardens.

A memorial fund has been established for First United Methodist Church and Projects of the Independant Order of Odd Fellows.

Ralph's family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Gail S. Carels and the staffs of Woodside Nursing Home, Woodside Manor, and Unity Hospice.