William J. “Bill” Blake, 86, passed away on Friday, May 28, 2021 at Elkhart Center for Hospice.
He was born March 9, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois to Heinrick and Lucy (Muhlena) Blacquiere (name later changed to Blake).
He was a graduate of Chesterton High School where he excelled in basketball, track, and cross country.
He and Nina Johnson were married on December 7, 1957 in Augsburg Lutheran Church, Porter, IN just prior to his being inducted into the Army serving from 1958-1960. Nina was able to join him during his year in Germany where they had the wonderful opportunity to visit his many relatives there.
Upon returning to the states, they settled in their hometown of Chesterton, and he began his 34-year career with NIPSCO (the last 17 in Plymouth). They spent 16 years of retirement in Tennessee where Bill could pursue his passion for being on the water fishing, swimming, and boating. Woodworking and gardening were among his other favorite hobbies. He and Nina also enjoyed traveling taking several bus tours. But family was most important to them, and they returned to Plymouth in 2013 to enjoy their precious grandchildren and family activities.
They were blessed with five children: Steven Blake, Brian (Carol) Blake, Karen (Bill) Williams, Daniel (Heidi) Blake and Kristina (Robert) Noonan. Their fifteen grandchildren are: Justin (Megan) Blake, Jonathan (Reda) Blake, Tom (Morgan) Blake, Sarah (Lee) Melling, Eric Blake, Emily (Nick) Read, Mary, Anne and Jenna Blake, Kyle and Michael Kaser, Cayman Blake, Rachel, Joseph and Bethany Noonan, as well as great-grandson Silas Blake and a great-granddaughter on the way.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather, Mark Wampler.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, 1314 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth with Rev. Eric Ahlemeyer officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the service.
Burial will be at a later date in the New Oak Hill Columbarium, Plymouth.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Center for Hospice Care 112 S. Center St. Plymouth IN 46563 or Calvary Lutheran Church.
Dan Flynn says
Dear Nina, Steve, Brian, Karen, Dan, Kris and family,
I was very sorry to hear about Bill’s health issues and passing. I am very sorry for your loss.
I was fortunate enough to be able to get reacquainted with Bill and Nina after several years away. I enjoyed my visits with them. Bill was pretty knowledgeable about many topics. I always enjoyed his laugh. He had this really wide grin followed by a throaty, nasally chuckle.
I did get to see some different sides of Bill.
He was always concerned about and shared his grandchildren’s goings on including their education, other activities and their dreams and aspirations. His family was very important to him.
Also, he would let us know about the many talents of the pastor’s family at Calvary Lutheran. His church was also very important.
I also heard about his military days. He was a young man and young husband when he put his country first.
I can still remember when I was younger playing on the playground exactly whom I looked up to. I pitched like they did, swung a bat like they did and even was a crimefighter like they were. It seems to me that society would be much better off if it admired, revered, and remembered not the celebrities of our time, but the men and women who are the Bill Blakes of the world.
I will remember Bill.
Lyn Ward says
So sorry to learn of your loss. You were blessed to have him in your life for so many years.
Shirley Gidley says
Nina and all of the family
I’m sorry about Bill and I would like to offer my prayers and thoughts to each of you at this time of sorrow
May God give you strength to accept and the love to all of you with wonderful memories and many smiles of remembering the good times and examples left for you.
Tom and Madeline Liebert says
Dear Kris and family, so sorry to hear aboutyourdad passing. You are in our thoughts and prayer
Love, Tom and Madeline Liebert
Jim & Sally Scobey says
So sorry to hear that we lost Bill but also know where he is and will see him again someday. He was a great guy to work with and a great friend. I
We know he will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of loss.
Jim & Sally Scobey says
So sorry that we have lost Bill but also know that he is in a better place with no pain and will see him again someday. He was a great guy to work with and we are sure he will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of loss.
Joyce Terry Kaser says
We are sad to hear of Bill’s passing and sorry we couldn’t be there as we are out of state…. praying for God’s peace and comfort on all the family during this difficult time!
Joyce and Terry Kaser
Sheri Cotton says
Karen,
Sending my sincere condolences along with lots of prayers for peace.