Glenn Richard Blake

Glenn Richard Blake, 80, of Sioux City died unexpectedly in his sleep Friday, Aug. 4, 2006, at his residence.

Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, with the Rev. Lee Williamson officiating. Graveside services will follow in Graceland Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 2 to 8 p.m. Monday, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Glenn was born Dec. 25, 1925, in Miriam, Kan., the son of William and Edith (Stutzman) Blake. He received an honorary diploma through his service in the U.S. Army. He served during World War II in Germany, where he was shot and received a Purple Heart.

He married Ruth Boettcher on May 5, 1950, at Crescent Park United Methodist Church in Sioux City. Glen had resided in Warrensburg, Mo., Falls River, Mass., Akron, Iowa, Crocker, S.D., Westfield, Iowa and Sioux City. He had worked at Zales Jewelry. Glenn was a mail carrier for the U.S. Post Office for 30 years until his retirement in 1980. He later went to work for SIMPCO driving senior citizens and the handicapped.

He was a member of Crescent Park United Methodist Church and was a longtime member of the Transit Board. Glenn was the local and state president of NALC letter carriers union. He was a baseball coach for 14 and 15 years old boys. He was an avid fan while watching his children play football, basketball and baseball and more recently, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's activities. He also enjoyed watching the Cubs play. Glenn volunteered daily at the Soup Kitchen. He loved traveling and had been to 49 of the 50 U.S. states. He also enjoyed history. Last summer, he went to Washington, D.C. to the World War II Memorial.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Ruth Blake of Sioux City; two sons, Larry (Kathy) Blake of Manning, Iowa and James (Jill) Blake of Sioux City; a daughter, Janice (Roger) Scheffer of Omaha; a daughter-in-law, Patti Blake of Sloan, Iowa; 10 grandchildren, Dana (Tony) Gerten, Ryan Scheffer, Jason (Marlene) Scheffer, Kia (Scott) Moran, Rick and Kaylee Blake, Cassie Hansen, Ethan and Allie Blake and Kellie Blake; six great-grandchildren, Joelle, Delaney, Ainsley Gerten, Adam Scheffer, Blake and Dayten Hogancamp; a brother, Jim Blake of Phoenix, Ariz.; and three sisters, Pat (La Wayne) Hinrichsen and Donna (Paul) McKenzie, all of Sioux City,

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sons, Ricky, Steven and Denny Blake; and two brothers, William and Ronnie Blake.

Pallbearers will be Roger Scheffer, Jason Scheffer, Ryan Scheffer, Tony Gerten, Scott Moran, Rick Blake and Ethan Blake. Honorary pallbearers will be Allie Blake, Kaylee Blake, Dana Gerten, Kia Blake, Kelli Blake and Cassie Hansen.