Kay M. Blanke nee Martin

OBITUARY Mary Catherine Blanke, known to all as Kay, of St. Clair, MO departed this life in St. Clair on Saturday, December 28, 2024, having reached the age of eighty-eight years, seven months and twenty-eight days. Kay was born in St. Louis, MO on May 2, 1936, daughter of Frank John Martin and Margaret Louise Martin nee McCarthy. As a young woman she was blessed to have two sons. In June of 1990, Kay was united im marriage to Robert Joseph Blanke, Sr. Kay is survived by her sons, David Thrower and girlfriend, Barbara Boyer, of DeSoto, MO and Daniel Thrower and wife, Kimberly, of Union, MO; by her step-children, Robert Blanke, Jr. and wife, Linda, Marcia Grant and husband, Rick, and Cynthia Pomeroy and husband, Bill, all of Asheville, NC, Thomas Blanke and wife, Cindy, of Jacksonville, FL, and William Blanke and wife, Candace, and Joseph Blanke and wife, Missy, both of Wilmington, NC; by two sisters, Michelle Larson and husband, John, of Bowling Green, MO and Margaret “Peggy” Sluhan of Lake St. Louis, MO; by her brother-in-law, Michael Grzyb of Fenton, MO; by fifteen grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends. Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Margaret Martin; by her husband, Robert Blanke; by her brother, Francis Martin; and by one sister, Patricia Grzyb. Kay was a Christian of the Catholic faith and member of St. Clare Catholic Church in St. Clair, MO, where she was heavily involved and helpful when and wherever she could. She was a member of Daughters of Isabella, Circle 1082, St. Clair, MO. During her working career she taught school at Corpus Cristi Catholic School in Jennings, MO and was an office manager at Schatz Underground Cable Company. Kay tutored children at the library and loved going fishing, boating and playing bridge. Kay enjoyed being with friends and even having a beer with them. What meant most to her though was time spent with family. The love they shared and many precious memories they created will be cherished by them all forever. A kind and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, step-mother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great and great-great-aunt, cousin and treasured friend, she will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, January 3, 2024 at St. Clare Catholic Church in St. Clair, MO with Father Eric Kunz officiating. Interment will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO. In lieu of flowers masses are preferred. The family was served by Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO.

Kay M. Blanke nee Martin

May 2, 1936 - December 28, 2024