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Service

Friday, June 14, 2019
11:00 AM EDT
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

The family will greet friends starting at 10am.

Life Story / Obituary


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William George Blashill passed away on January 26, 2019. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dolores (Flanigan) Blashill, and their five children: William (Debra) Blashill, Patrick (Kimberly May) Blashill, Michael Blashill, Kathleen (Timothy) Young, and Amy (Kevin) Wrede. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Billy, Stella, Emma, Maggie, Abby, Sam, and Connor and siblings, Tom Blashill, Jim (Rosemary) Blashill, and Mary Kay (Richard) Manjerovic. Preceding him in death are his parents William J. (Marguerite Dunn) Blashill and sister Judith (Blashill) Parkinson.

Bill was born on July 13, 1934 in Detroit, Michigan. Upon graduation from high school in 1952, he joined the Navy, spending 26 years serving his country, and eventually was promoted to Chief Petty Officer. Bill served on seven ships while in the Navy, his favorite being the second USS Newport News, a Des Moines-class heavy cruiser.

While home on leave in May 1962, he met Dolores Flanigan. By December 22 that year, they were married. Before retiring from the Navy in 1978, Bill and Dolores were stationed in Morocco, Newport, RI, and Groton, CT.

His Navy career now over, Bill and Dolores decided it was time to move back to Michigan. Having visited his brother Tom in Traverse City, he thought it would be a wonderful place for his family. He was right! Shortly after relocating, Bill was hired as a corrections officer by the Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Department. He worked for another 20 years, and was admired and liked by all who knew him, including former inmates. He treated everyone with respect and kindness.

Following his retirement from the sheriff’s department in 1998, Bill and Dolores spent many winters in Orange Beach, Alabama. They loved to golf, play cards with friends, eat seafood, and enjoy each other’s company. They were the best of friends, and a shining example of happiness in marriage.

Bill was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Elk’s Lodge, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

A memorial will be held 11 am, Friday, June 14, 2019 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Traverse City. Burial will be in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. The family will greet friends starting at 10am. Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to sign the guestbook and share your thoughts with the family.

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