Theodore Martin "Ted" Blanchard

Theodore Martin "Ted" Blanchard, age 75, passed away at his home in Dubuque, Iowa on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 14, 1944 in Lima, Ohio to Theodore and Genevieve (O'Brien) Blanchard. On June 14, 1969 Ted was married to his loving wife Marilyn Lee (Boblitt) Blanchard.

An alumnus of Loras College, Ted earned his B.A. in Political Science. He went on to graduate from Indiana University with a Master of Science degree in School Administration. Ted worked as both an educator and in administration. Early in his career, he taught at Whittier Elementary in Lima, Ohio and Hoover Elementary in Dubuque. He went on to serve as the Principal for both Prescott and Audubon Schools before taking positions as Executive Director of Human Resources for the Dubuque Community School District and Vice President of Human Resources at Finley Hospital. Through a life-long commitment to the community of Dubuque, Ted volunteered his time and energy to many organizations and causes: He served on the Board of Directors for the Dubuque Arts Council, Camp Albrecht Acres, and Bethany Home, and was a member of the Nativity Parish Council, the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club International as well as many others. Ted's real gift to the world was his life-long resilience in the face of adversity and his uncanny ability to reach people in deep and positive ways through the art of conversation and encouragement.

Ted loved spending time with his family and friends, traveling, and caring for the environment by planting trees. Some of his favorite times out and about were to watch his grandchildren participate in sports, music, and dance and having lunch with friends; he also enjoyed attending concerts with his wife, especially outdoor performances at the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.

Ted is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn, of 50 years; three children, Chad (Beth)of Dubuque, Drew (Shari) of Milwaukee, WI, and Suzanne (Dave) of Steamboat Springs, CO; five grandchildren, Ezra, Jacob, Annabel, Aaron, & Sam; six siblings, David (Jane) of Walnut Creek, CA., Kevin (Sharon) of Palm Bay, FL., Matthew of Lima, OH., Mark (Donna) of Defiance, OH, Stephen (Melinda) of Lima, OH., Bridget of Bowling Green, OH.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents Theodore and Genevieve and sister, Katherine (Blanchard) Swager.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday December 2, 2019, at the Church of the Nativity, where a parish wake service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Family and friends  may also gather after 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, at the church until time of mass. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019 at the Church of the Nativity. with Rev. Andy Upah officiating. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, IA is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, The Dubuque Arts Council, Camp Albrecht Acres, Hospice of Dubuque, Mary's Inn Maternity Home.

Special Thank You: Dr. J. Fernando Queveda and his care team, and the Mayo Clinic; Dr. Mark Herman and his care teams at Grand River Medical; the care team at Hospice of Dubuque.

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