Clarence Edward Blankinship

Clarence Edward Blankinship Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on March 2, 2026. He was born on July 19, 1936 in L'Anse, Michigan. The son of Clarence Edward Sr. and Florence (LaVack) Blankinship. Clarence married the love of his life, Mavis Ann (Grove) on February 1, 1957, and just celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.
Every year Clarence looked forward to deer hunting which included going to his rustic deer camp with his dear friend, Bill Uhlig from Ontonagon. His wife, Mavis always made sure they each had a couple of pasties and of course lots of cookies to snack on while they waited in their deer blinds. Clarence was very involved at their church, The United Methodist Church of White Pine where Mavis and he were members since 1961-2020. Twenty of the fifty-nine years, Clarence served as treasurer for the church. He worked for many years as a maintenance foreman in the White Pine Mine up until his retirement.
Clarence became a Master Mason at the Ewen Lodge #67 on December 27, 1966, where he served as Worship Master of the Lodge in 1984/1985. He served on the Grand Lodge Board of Generals for three years. He received his fifty year Masonic Membership award in 2016. He became a Thirty-two Degree Member of the Upper Peninsula Scottish Rite in May 1970. He was also a member of Ahmed Shriners since 2015, helping children with orthopedic challenges.
Surviving Clarence is his wife, Mavis, his daughter; Darlene (Mike) Andersen of L'Anse, MI, son; Clarence Edward Blankinship III (Ed) of Eagle River, WI, Grandchildren; Christie (Paul) Stewart, Kelli Andersen, Dan (Jessica) Andersen, Eric (Bronwen) Blankinship, Clayton Blankinship, Jamie Blankinship, Great-grandchildren; Beatrix, Liesel, Kaidin, Penny, Ferris, Wesley, Ellie, Izzy, Sister; Jean Hudson. He was preceded in death by his parents; Clarence and Florence, daughter; Denise Blankinship, sister; Virgina Johnson.
The family would like to thank Baraga County Home Care and Hospice for their compassion and care. A special thank you to Jessica Fluegge who helped in Clarence's personal care and Michelle Maki, his nurse. Both of these women were apart of our family. They helped guide us in Clarence's care taking, all we had to do was call and they took care of all his needs. Jessica and Michelle made Clarence's hospice journey possible. We also want to thank Dr. Sweers for being Clarence's doctor. It was wonderful to have a doctor come to our own home when it was so hard to get him out for appointments. A big thank you also to the many volunteers who helped come in and give us a relief. Most of all we want to thank Gloria Ahola. Gloria has lived with us since the beginning of September 2025 and because of her we were able to keep Clarence comfy at home. We call her our angel and truly is a gift from God. As you can see, it truly takes a village to take care of your loved ones. As we each go forward, we hope anyone who reads this will ask themselves how can we allow God to use each one of us.
A Celebration of Life is planned for August 5th 11:00 AM at North Iron Church in L'Anse Michigan with a luncheon to follow.
Clarence said "When I pass don't cry because I have had an amazing life. God gave me an amazing wife and three wonderful children, I am blessed."