Edwin Charles Blanchard, age 98, of Shawano, passed away on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 in Oconto Falls. Edwin was born in Manitowoc, WI on July 6, 1920, the son of the late William and Emma (Nemetz) Blanchard.  On December 27, 1941, Edwin was united in marriage to Doris Rudebeck in Manitowoc.  The couple would have celebrated 77 years of marriage this year.  In 1943, Edwin enlisted in the United States Army, serving our country during WWII until his honorable discharge in 1946.  After his time in the service, Edwin worked at Manitowoc Ship Building for 42 years until retiring in 1982. He was a member and historian for the AmVets Post #23 as well as a member of the American Legion and the Eagles Club.  In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, playing the slots at the casino and playing bingo at the senior center.

Edwin is survived by his wife of 76 years, Doris; their children, Beverly Demmin of Shawano and Robert Blanchard of Kewaunee; grandchildren, Michele (Wes) Carper of Sedro Woolley, WA, Mark (Lisa) Blanchard of Manitowoc and Kim (Dean) Lynch of Manitowoc; step granddaughter, Jill (Gregg) Schetter of Francis Creek; great-grandchildren, Derek (Lauren) Blanchard, Sabrina (Kyle) Handl and Shelby, Cody and Levi Carper; five great great-grandchildren, Elba, Lainey, Everly, Theo and Waylon. He is further survived by special nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Edwin was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Jim Demmin; his step granddaughter, Kim Carlson; his parents; three sisters, Alice Hutterer, Esther Grenier and Mable Haas; and one brother, William Blanchard.

Memorial services for Edwin will be held at 11:30 am on Thursday, August 2, 2018 at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 am until the time of the service.  Military honors will be conducted by the Shawano American Legion Post #117.