Wayne Blanchette's Obituary
Monday morning, October 25, 2010, Mr. Wayne Blanchette, was embraced in the arms of Jesus, his Lord and Savior. He was born in Muskegon January 10, 1927 to Gasper Jr. and Hazel (Bush) Blanchette , attended Muskegon Public Schools, and lived here all his life. His favorite childhood memories were of riding his bike to and from and working on his Uncle Elmer’s farm in Montcalm County. He served in the US Navy during World War II in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans aboard the USS Columbus. When he returned home, his skating skills impressed Doris E. Corpe, whom he married June 21, 1947, and they stayed skating together for 63 years. Wayne was an employee of Sealed Power for 46 years before retiring. He attended Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of Muskegon for 60 years. Wayne had served on the Board of Directors of Boy Scouts of America Troop 53, Muskegon Youth for Christ, and the Muskegon Rescue Mission. He had been a charter member of Mona Shores Band Parents, and had served as volunteer chaplain at Muskegon Rescue Mission for many years, and was responsible for the prayer corner at Rescue Mission Thrift Stores. Wayne’s heart was in the bus ministry of Missionary Alliances Churches and his work at the Rescue Mission. He had an ability to communicate like Jesus did by way of parables-- earthly stories with heavenly meanings. His SURVIVORS include his wife Doris; children: Sandra and David Hammers, Susan and Thomas Wayne Eikenberry, Nancy and Daniel Smith, Randall Wayne and Marlene Blanchette, Jane and Mark Anderson, and Gregory Wayne Blanchette and companion Sharon Wendell. “Wayne’s precious grandchildren” include: Melissa Hammers, Stephanie (Earl) Fugate, Jeffrey (Julissa) Eikenberry, Scott (Janel) Eikenberry, Anissa (David) Vryhof, Kenneth Wayne Smith, Kevin Wayne Smith, April (Tony) VandenBosch, Melody Blanchette, Rachelle Blanchette, Nathaniel Anderson, and Matthew Anderson and great-grandchildren: Araceli Eikenberry, Bricio Eikenberry, Sarah Eikenberry, Jovi and Kaydynce VandenBosch. A brother, Bill Blanchette also survives Wayne. He was preceded in death by his parents Gasper and Hazel, and sisters Lavonne and Caroline. A CELEBRATION OF WAYNE’S LIFE will be held 10:00 A.M. Friday at The Lee Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444, (231)-798-1100 with Pastor Randall Blanchette , Pastor David Hammers, and Pastor Daniel Smith co-officiating and interment in Norton Cemetery. VISITATION will be at the funeral home 5-8 P.M. Thursday. In lieu of flowers, MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS to the New Chapel at Muskegon Rescue Mission would be appreciated.
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