Benjamin Blodgett

Benjamin F. Blodgett, Jr., age 93, of Danbury, WI, passed away Wednesday afternoon, August 13, 2014. Born in Green Bay, WI, on May 7, 1921, Ben was a son of the late Benjamin F. and Emma (Kipp) Blodgett, Sr. He graduated from high school in De Pere and also received vocational education. Ben served his country in the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII, from Sep. 18, 1942 and was honorably discharged as Staff Sergeant on Sep. 14, 1945. He was involved with campaigns in India-Burma, Air Offensive Europe, Naples-Foggia, Normandy, and Northern France. Ben was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster by HQ 10th Air Force, and Distinguished Unit Badge by HQ 12th Air Force. He also received the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal, 2 Overseas Service Bars, Air Crew Member Badge, and sharpshooter and marksman badges. Benjamin was united in marriage to Joyce Patricia Eckstein on September 30, 1946. Joyce passed away in May 2001. He was employed by Reliance Printing, Co., Berger Business Forms, and retired in 1983 from Independent Printing Co. in De Pere, WI. Benjamin was a member of Yellow Lake Lutheran Church, Danbury; De Pere Sportsman Club; Green Bay Mike & Key Club; Civil Defense League; and performed wood cutting and splitting with Interfaith Care Givers of Burnett County. As a well known ham radio operator (W9ZJA), he is now a • • • ?•? "Silent Key." He had a great love of music and enjoyed playing the accordion. He was an avid gardener, and also enjoyed his model trains, and collecting coins and stamps. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Joyce; sisters: Beatrice (Robert) Verhagen and Mary (Robert) Heesaker; brother, Joseph Blodgett in infancy; and twin sister and brother, Elnore and Charlie Blodgett, in infancy. Surviving are his four children: Denny (Barb) Blodgett, Beverly (Mark) Wightman, Barbara Burkart, and Brian Blodgett; three grandchildren: Matthew Wightman, Scott (Jan) Blodgett, and Lori Blodgett; and two great-grandchildren: Morgan Blodgett and Maggie Blodgett. He is further survived by step grandchildren: Kelsey, Trisha, and Michael (Tammy) great-grandchildren: Robert, Madelyn, Christopher, Austin, Nikki, Dylan, and Mitchel; and great, great grandchildren: Kalea and Grayson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and families, other relatives and friends. The memorial service honoring the life of Benjamin F. Blodgett, Jr. will be conducted at 11:00 am, (visitation 10:00 to 11:00 am) Monday, August 18, 2014, at Yellow Lake Lutheran Church, 7615 County Rd U, Danbury (town of Oakland), WI, with Pastor Danny Wheeler officiating. Full military honors will conclude the service followed by a fellowship luncheon. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Webster, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com. The graveside service at Woodlawn Cemetery in Green Bay is pending. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Croix Hospice (www.stcroixhospice.com) are appreciated. Ben’s family wish to extend their deep appreciation to the nurses and staff at Benedictine Living Center of Spooner and St. Croix Hospice for the exceptional and compassionate care they provided