Gene 'Binks' Blanksvard

ONTONAGON — Gene “Binks” Blanksvard, 72, of Greenland passed away Monday, Feb. 2, 2015, at the Aspirus Ontonagon Long Term Care Unit. 

Gene was born in Ontonagon to William and Ellen (Jussila) Blanksvard on Sept. 5, 1942. He graduated from Mass High School in 1960. He worked as a mechanic for Baullinger-Chevrolet-Olds (later Courtesy-Chevy-Olds). He also delivered fuel for the Gitche-Gumee Oil Company. He left Gitche-Gumee Oil to take a job as a mechanic for the Ontonagon County Road Commission where he worked up until his retirement. Gene was a veteran of the U.S. Army and he served in Germany for two years. Gene was an avid deer hunter and looked forward to getting the winning buck in a contest he held with his pal Gary Daniels. Gene enjoyed working in his garage and his favorite hobby was rebuilding old cars. Gene loved visiting people and he would go out of his way to make sure his family and friends were taken care of in their time of need. 

Gene is survived by his siblings, William Blanksvard, Carl (Louise) Blanksvard, Lila Williamson, Lyle (Chris) Blanksvard and Barbara Miller; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends, James (Roleane) Daniels, Karen (Dave) White and Gary (Marisol) Daniels. 

He was preceded in death by his father, William; mother, Ellen; and brother, Walter. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb.14 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mass City. Visitation will start at 11 a.m., with services at 12 p.m. and a luncheon to follow. 

In lieu of flowers or monetary gifts a donation may be made to the Ontonagon County Cancer Association in Gene’s name.