Harry Blake

Obituary

Harry Herbert Walter Blake was born on August 12, 1927, in Buffalo Lake at his home. He was the son of Emery and Lillian (Baumgardten) Blake. Harry was baptized as an infant on August 12, 1928 and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth at Buffalo Lake Methodist Church in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota. He received his education in Buffalo Lake through the 8th grade. He proudly earned his GED on March 17, 1966 from Hutchinson High School.

Harry entered active military service in the United States Army on May 21, 1946, at Ft. Snelling, Minnesota and served his country during World War II. He received an Honorable Discharge on October 29, 1947 and achieved the rank of Private First Class.

On August 8, 1946 Harry was united in marriage to Irene Ruby Hedberg at First Lutheran Church in Hector, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with seven children, David, Barbara, Curtis, Janet, Randy, Thomas, and Steven. Harry and Irene made their home and raised their children in Hutchinson. Harry and Irene shared 64 years of marriage until Irene passed away on December 27, 2010.

Harry was employed as a Heavy Equipment Operator for Kimmis, J.A. Danen and Dobyzinski & Sons. He worked into his 70’s and retired in 2003. Harry was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, and Hutchinson American Legion Post #96.

Harry farmed as a hobby. He loved being out in the field, farming with his sons and grandsons. Harry was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. Harry and Irene enjoyed vacationing in Florida during the winter months for many years. They also cherished the time that they spent at their cabin on Lake Washington with his family, grandchildren and friends.

Harry passed away peacefully with his son Randy at his side on May 6, 2018, at his home in Hutchinson, at the age of 90 years. He will be dearly missed. Blessed be his memory.

Harry is survived by his:
Children, David Blake and his wife, Susan of Hutchinson, MN,
                  Barbara Chaffee and her husband, Ron of Big Lake, MN,
                  Janet Chaffee and her husband, Steve of Hinckley, MN
                  Randy Blake and his wife, Molly of Hutchinson, MN,
                  Tom Blake of Hutchinson, MN,
                  Steven “Beaver” Blake and his wife, Sharon of Hutchinson, MN;
Grandchildren, Tracy Davis and her husband, Chuck, Tina Novotni and her husband, Mark, Kelley Marvan and her husband, Mike, Guy Chaffee and his wife, Diann, Brandon Chaffee and                                  his wife, Kelly, Gage Chaffee and his wife, Terri, Blake Chaffee and his wife, Britney, Brooke Anderson and her husband, Caleb, Amy Blake-Field and her husband, Matt,                                      Aaron Blake, Jake Blake, Chad Blake, Bobby Blake and his wife, Megan, Kari Swanson and her husband, Jeff, Cory Olson and his fiancé Erin, and Michelle Blake;
30 Great-Grandchildren;
4 Great-Great-Grandchildren;
Brother James Blake and his wife, Darlene of Pillager, Minnesota;
Brother In-Law, Gene Hedberg of Melbourne, FL;
Nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends.

Harry is preceded in death by his: Parents, Emery and Lillian Blake; Spouse, Irene Blake; Son, Curtis; Sister, Betty (Nels) Mahle; Brothers, Marvin Blake, Willis (Mildred) Blake, Dale Blake, and Orie (Joan) Blake, Sister in law Jewell Hedberg.