Steve R. Blanich age 93 of Crosby passed away on July 16, 2017 at Heartwood Senior Living in Crosby.  He was born in Marble MN, December 31, 1923 to Bob and Mary (Sedlachek) Blanich.

Steve came to Crosby with the family in 1926, growing up on Birch Street in the west end of the city.  It was a diverse, ethnic neighborhood that provided lasting friendships, traditions, stories and memories that his family still cherishes.  He was the youngest of five children.

A 1941 graduate of the Crosby-Ironton High School.  He attended Carlton College before entering the Army Air Corps in 1942.  A veteran of 23 missions as a B-26 pilot with the 9th Air Force in Europe, he was discharged in 1946.

Steve married Josephine (Granby) Blanich, in 1948 in Crosby.  As a youth he was an avid sportsman, later becoming a dedicated conservationist and a well-known birder with his wife Jo.  He was a longtime member of the Bee-Nay-She Council, they garnered statewide recognition for his ornithological photography, educational wildlife preservations, and bird count records, receiving numerous honors and award over a span of 60 years.

With a sharp memory, interest in local history, and a unique gift of storytelling, Steve enjoyed his volunteer work with the local historical society helping to preserve our Cuyuna Range heritage.

Steve is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Josephine, along with numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Milo, George, Lewis and a sister Dorothy.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at Salem Lutheran Church in Deerwood.  Burial will be at the Lakewood Cemetery in Crosby with full military honors by the Myrin-James American Legion Post #443, Ironton.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church.  Arrangements are with the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby

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