Charles Blankinship Jr.
L’ANSE — Clarence Edward Blankinship Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on March 2, 2026. He was born on July 19, 1936 in L’Anse, Michigan. The son of Clarence Edward Sr. and Florence (LaVack) Blankinship. Clarence married the love of his life, Mavis Ann (Grove) on February 1, 1957, and just celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.
Every year Clarence looked forward to deer hunting which included going to his rustic deer camp with his dear friend, Bill Uhlig from Ontonagon. His wife, Mavis always made sure they each had a couple of pasties and of course lots of cookies to snack on while they waited in their deer blinds. Clarence was very involved at their church, The United Methodist Church of White Pine where Mavis and he were members since 1961-2020. Twenty of the fifty-nine years, Clarence served as treasurer for the church.
He worked for many years as a maintenance foreman in the White Pine Mine up until his retirement. We as a family, would like to give thanks to Gloria Ahola. Gloria has lived with us since the beginning of September 2025 and because of her we were able to keep Clarence comfy at home. We call her our angel and truly is a gift from God.
Clarence became a Master Mason at the Ewen Lodge #67 on December 27, 1966, where he served as Worship Master of the Lodge in 1984/1985. He served on the Grand Lodge Board of Generals for three years. He received his fifty year Masonic Membership award in 2016. He became a Thirty-two Degree Member of the Upper Peninsula Scottish Rite in May 1970. He was also a member of Ahmed Shriners since 2015, helping children with orthopedic challenges.
Surviving Clarence is his wife, Mavis, his daughter; Darlene (Mike) Anderson of L’Anse, MI, son; Clarence Edward Blankinship III (Ed) of Eagle River, WI, Grandchildren; Christie (Paul) Stewart, Kellie Anderson, Dan (Jessica) Anderson, Eric (Bronwen) Blankinship, Clayton Blankinship, Jamie Blankinship, Great-grandchildren; Beatrix, Liesel, Kaidin, Penny, Ferris, Wesley, Ellie, Izzy, Sister; Jean Hudson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Clarence and Florence, daughter; Denise Blankinship, sister; Virgina Johnson. A Celebration of Life is planned for August 5th 11:00 AM at North Iron Church in L’Anse Michigan with a luncheon to follow.
Clarence said “When I pass don’t cry because I have had an amazing life. God gave me an amazing wife and three wonderful children, I am blessed.” Full obituary is available on Jacobson Funeral Home’s website, www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com