John Blake

John F. Blake, 91, Port Townsend, Wash., formerly of Marion, N.D., died May 21, 2009, in Port Townsend.

Mr. Blake was born Aug. 28, 1917, in Svea Township, Barnes County, North Dakota, the son of William Patrick and Mary Jane (Smith) Blake. He grew up and attended school in Svea Township where he graduated from Svea High School. He served in the Civilian Conservation Corps and then in the U.S. Army from Aug. 31, 1940 to Dec. 12, 1944. He married Mabel Torgerson Kemmer on June 23, 1953, in Marion. They moved to Motley, Minn., in 1955, where he farmed and was a livestock breeder and trader. He also owned and operated Galley Café, Litchville, N.D., for two years. He retired in 1998. They then moved to Washington State. He was a member of St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish, Port Townsend. He enjoyed basketball, baseball and football.

He is survived by his wife; a son, Steven (Elizabeth), Port Townsend; a daughter, Susan (Christopher) Breen, Kenmore, Wash.; a granddaughter; and two great-granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Joseph, George and Emmett; and two sisters, Gertrude Reinehr and Sister Beatrice Marie Blake, SMP.

Services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Valley City, N.D., with the Rev. Michael Schommer officiating.

Prayer service: 7 p.m. Friday, Lerud-Johnson-Schuldt Funeral Home, Valley City.

Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home and one hour before the service at the church.

Burial: St. Ann’s Cemetery, Litchville.

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