- Date Of Birth: June 26, 1922
- Date Of Death: March 27, 2012
- State: Nebraska
Retired Army MSgt. Walter F. Blake, 89, of Dannebrog was greeted in heaven by family and friends Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island.
Walter was born June 26, 1922 in Mason City, Nebraska to Walter and Lucy (Baker-Peterson) Blake.
He attended school in Brewster where he graduated high school in 1940.
He worked on the family farm raising cattle.
He also attended Louisiana State University for a year where he studied Mechanical Engineering.
Walter joined the United States Army on December 7, 1942.
He was united in marriage to Dorothy Pauline Clinard on July 22, 1944 in Hopkinsville, KY.
He retired on September 1, 1964. He served with Distinction during World War II and Korea, receiving a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. He was in the 14th Armored Division which saw action in Germany and Europe. During the Korean Conflict, he was in the 73rd Tank Battalion.
Walter was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dannebrog and also a member of the VFW and American Legion.
He had a great love of fishing and hunting all his life. He shared that love with many friends and family. His last few days were spent enjoying fishing in the company of his granddaughter and great grandson.
He also received numerous Master Angler Awards and was an expert marksman.
Walter is survived by his wife, Dorothy Pauline (Clinard) Blake; two sons & daughters-in-law, David & Kathy Blake of Peyton, Colorado and Gerald & Janette Blake of Dannebrog; three daughters & son-in-law, Kathy Main of Wood River, Chris Blake of Colorado Springs, CO and Becky & Dennis Adams of Dannebrog; ten grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; and two great great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Herbert Blake; and one grandson, David.
