BLAKE, Rolan M.

BLAKE, NELSON, KOENCK, ANDERSON, HASENWINKEL

Posted By: Don Blake
Date: 9/19/2004 at 21:06:22

Cherokee Times
May 25, 1925---March 28, 1999

Rolan M. Blake, aged 73, of Odebolt, Iowa, died sunday evening, March 28, 1999, at his home in Odebolt. Born May 25, 1925 in Cherokee, Iowa , to John D. and Agnes Scott Blake. He grew up and attended school in Cherokee County, graduating from Auelia High School in 1942. Rolan served in the Army Air Corps during WWII, where he was a ball turret gunner on a B-24. He was decorated with three battle stars and the Air Medal during his duty in the South Pacific.

On June 22, 1945 Rolan married Donna Nelson at Trinity Luthern Church in Alta.The couple made their home near Aurelia, where they farmed from 1947 intil moving to Akron, Iowa in 1958. There Rolan entered the insurance bussiness, working in Akron and Ida Grove for several years In 1965 he and Donna came to Odebolt where they owned and operated an insurance and real estate bussiness.. Rolan retired in 1991, but remained active in the real estate bussiness until his death. In addition to his professional resposibilities, he also enjoyed 25 years as a school bus driver.

Rolan was a director for Farmers Mutual insurance Assoc. of Kiron, was an active member of the Odebolt Chamber of Commerce, and was a member of the American Legion for over 50 years. He served his church in many capacities over the years , and was instrumental in establishing the student scholoship fund. He had many hobbies and interests, including fishing, hunting, boating, refinishing antiques, woodworking, photogtaphy, and spending time at their cabin on Spirit Lake. Rolan especially enjoyed his grandchildren

Survivors include his wife, Donna, two children and their spouses, Dr. Alan Blake and his wife Sue, and Patricia and Doug Koenck of Yorba Linda Calif. 4 granchildren, Jason and Jenny Koenck, and James and Andrew Blake. One brother Donald and his wife Annette of Cherokee; two sisters, Mrs. Eleanor Anderson of Alta, and Mrs. Muriel Hasenwinkel of Cherokee, and a sister in law, Peggy Blake of Sheldon.He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Agnes Blake and one brohter Russell and two brother-in-laws Wilmer Anderson and Raymond Hasenwinkel.