Andrew Blenker

Andrew A. Blenker, age 95 of Albany, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at St. Benedict’s Community Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota, surrounded by his three loving children.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday, October 30 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany with Rev. Julius Beckermann, O.S.B. officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Albany American Legion.

Visitation will be held one hour prior at the church. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Andrew August Blenker was born March 7, 1925 in Albany, Minnesota to Frank and Mary (Hiltner) Blenker. He was united in marriage to Irene Kortenbusch on October 3, 1950 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Melrose, and their union was blessed with three children.  Andrew and Irene shared over 60 years of dedication, farming and faith before Irene’s passing in 2011.

Andrew served in the U.S. Army during WWII from October 4, 1944 through November 17, 1946.  Andrew served with the 43rd Infantry, 97th Infantry and the 5th Air Force Division as an Automotive Mechanic.  He was awarded the following: Decorations and Citations, Army of Occupation Medal Japan, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon W/1 Bronze Star, Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon W/1 Bronze Star, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Andrew was a loving father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.  He loved the outdoors and working in the fields; fishing, eating fresh fish, socializing and playing cards, especially 500.  He also enjoyed traveling, especially a three week farm to farm tour of  Austria to New Zealand.  He had a strong faith in God and enjoyed daily Masses and praying the rosary, which led to socializing at the Albany Bakery.

He was a member of Seven Dolors Catholic Church,the Albany American Legion, and a member of the Schanhaar-Otte VFW Post 7050 in Melrose.

Survivors include his children, Florian (Barb) Blenker of Albany, Doris (Tim) Kahlhamer of Avon and Diane (Joe) Braun of St. Joseph; seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren with one on the way; sister, Frances Metzger of Kennwick, WA; and sister-in-law, Marcella Hinnenkamp of Melrose.

Andrew was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Blenker; parents; brothers and sister, Joseph, Leo, Roman, Marie, Michael and Herman.

Serving as casket bearers will be Adam Blenker, Kyle Braun, Vincent Kahlhamer, Lee Bautch, Roger Job, and Allen Altendahl. Cross bearer will be Norb Overman and scripture bearer will be Amelia Kahlhamer.