Blanche Walz, age 88, of Twin Valley, MN, formerly of Waubun, MN, died Saturday, October 16, 2010 at Sanford Palliative Care Unit in Fargo, ND.

Blanche was born May 23, 1922 at home to William and Josephine (Pavek) Uhlir. Growing up she attended country school followed by Waubun High School. After her schooling, Blanche was united in marriage to Alfred Walz on June 6, 1939 at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Waubun. The couple made their home in the Waubun area for many years and they were blessed with two daughters.


Most of Blanche's working years were done so in food service. She owned and operated her own café in Waubun for many years. She retired in the late 1980's, but continued to keep busy. Al died on October 3, 2001 and Blanche resided in Waubun until 2009 when she moved into the Twin Valley Living Center.


Having friends over for cards or just to visit was always a pleasure. Blanche enjoyed cooking, playing Scrabble and sewing. However, one of her favorite pastimes was spending time with her grandchildren. They were a very special part of her life and she was often taking them places and buying them treats. Blanche was a longtime member of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Waubun and the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Blanche is survived by a daughter, Geri (Bob) Hillesland, Mahnomen, MN; son-in-law, Dennis Poppenhagen, Battle Lake, MN; six grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; four sisters: Margaret Bromander, New Brighton, MN, Alyce (Wenzel) Leff, Waubun, Jo (Jim) Stiles, Minneapolis, MN, and Babe (Alvin) Wenner, Detroit Lakes, MN; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Barbara Poppenhagen; a brother, Edward Uhlir and two sisters, Dorothy Marthaler and Barbara Hawkinson.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at 11:00 am at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Waubun, MN. Father Dwight Hoeberechts was the celebrant. Lea Stech provided special music. The pallbearers were Bob Hennessey, Al Leff, Jerry Hennessey, Bill Leff, George Fortier and Jeff Leff. The honorary bearers were all of Blanche's grandchildren. Visitation was held Tuesday, October 19, 2010 from 5-7 pm with a 6:30 pm prayer service and rosary that was led by Sacred Heart Court 242 National Catholic Society of Foresters held at Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN.

Interment was at St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery in Waubun.