ALGEAN "Al" C. BLANK, age 79, of Beaver Creek, passed away Friday, July 6, 2012, at the Sanford Hospice Cottage in Luverne. Born March 25, 1933, in Big Stone County, MN, to Clarence and Wilhelmine (Schwarz) Blank, Al graduated from Appleton High School. He served his country from 1953 to 1955 in the United States Army, stationed for part of that time in Newfoundland.
Al married Darlene Swanson on January 11, 1954, in Appleton. In 1956, the couple moved to Beaver Creek when Al accepted a position at the Beaver Creek State Bank. He began his career as an over-the-road truck driver delivering Old Home Bread. Later, Al drove for T & R Electric, in Colman, SD, delivering transformers throughout North America before serving as Fleet Safety Officer for T & R. In 1975, Al & Darlene built and operated the Heritage Apartments in Beaver Creek.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Beaver Creek, where he served as Treasurer and Session Member. Al was also a member of the Luverne VFW and was elected as Mayor of Beaver Creek for three terms from 2000 to 2006.
Al is survived by his wife, Darlene Blank, Beaver Creek; daughter, Catherine (Stephen) Thurman, Sioux Falls, SD; three sons, David (Bonnie) Blank, Lake City, FL; Michael (Jane) Blank, Beaver Creek; and John Blank, Beaver Creek; twelve grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; and a sister, JoAnn (Rodney) Kreykes, Rockwell City, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son, Jeffrey.
A time of fellowship will be from 4-8 pm Monday at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne, and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. A memorial service will be 10:30 am Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church, in Beaver Creek, officiated by Rev. Bob Dovenmuehler. Burial of cremains with full military honors will be in the Beaver Creek Cemetery.

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