TOMAH - Retired Lieutenant Commander William H. Blanchard Jr, 59, of Tomah, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends at home on Sunday, January 28, 2024.
Bill was born on June 16, 1964, to Elizabeth J Blanchard (Beausoliel) and William H Blanchard Sr. in Woonsocket, RI. Bill joined the United States Navy in 1982 and retired after 27 years of service.
After completing Naval training in Great Lakes, MI, Bill went on to become an accomplished Aviation Ordnanceman reaching the enlisted rate of Chief Petty Officer. Bill served on various naval ships, to include the one that was closest to his heart, the USS Ronald Reagan. “Gunner” as he was affectionally known by his Navy family, transitioned to becoming a commissioned officer in 2000, eventually reaching the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
After moving to Tomah, Bill was the original owner of a Safe Ship franchise location in town. He then held various positions at Fort McCoy, to include at the Ammunition Supply Point and lastly working as a Logistical Specialist.
Bill mostly enjoyed spending time with his wife antiquing and traveling. Bill had a special bond with Grant and we will always cherish those memories. Bill’s kind heart made people feel at ease and always had a sympathetic ear. Bill will truly be missed by the whole community. His honor and passion will continue in our hearts forever.
He is survived by his loving wife, Tammy Blanchard, his son, Christopher (Lizz) Blanchard of Virginia Beach, VA, sister, Joy (Mark) Lavallee of Big Sandy, TN, and brother, Brian (Kathryn) Blanchard of Northborough, MA. He is further survived by Shane (Melissa) Workman and Grant, Dustin Workman, Nick (Brandi) Workman and Landon, Kallie, Hazel, sister-in-law, Sherrie Waugh, and Sandy Waugh and Larry, many other relatives, special friends, and co-workers that meant the world to Bill.
Bill was predeceased by his mother, Elizabeth Paget, his father, William Blanchard Sr., his sister, Holly Delvecchio and his son, Matthew Hicks.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 3, 2024, 12:00 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Tomah, Wisconsin. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the Torkelson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Tomah Area Community Theater, 907 Kilbourn Ave, Tomah, WI 54660 an organization Bill felt strongly about and even performed with. Or the St Croix Hospice, 1540 Heritage Blvd, Suite 201A, West Salem, WI 54669 who helped Bill during his final days.
Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
