Blanche Hamann

Blanche Luverne Archer Hamann, 95, passed away on Monday, February 8, 2010, at the Nelson Gables Assisted Living Center, in Alexandria, MN. She was born February 6, 1915, near Alexandria in Hudson Township to Ralph and Mary (Lorenz) Archer. She attended District 6 (Union Lake) school and graduated from Alexandria High School in 1932. She went on to complete normal school in Alexandria, and attended St. Cloud Teacher?s College. She continued her education through the University of Minnesota while teaching in several rural schools in both Douglas and Pope counties. She later served on the school board of District 6. On March 6, 1941, Blanche married Henry Hamann at Osakis, MN. They resided in Alexandria until 1942 when they moved to Couer d?Alene, Idaho where Henry worked on the construction of Farragut Naval Base. They then moved back to Douglas County to take over the family farm. Blanche worked as a substitute teacher, a homemaker, and assisted on the farm. Blanche had been a lifelong member of the Forada Presbyterian Church. When the church closed she became an active member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Alexandria. She enjoyed participating in Bible studies and her church circle. Blanche had an avid interest in history and was instrumental in the founding of the Douglas County Historical Society. She served on the original board of directors. She participated in many fund-raisers and played an active role in the relocation and restoration of the Knute Nelson House where the Douglas County Historical Society is now based. For many years, Blanche enjoyed demonstrating her skill at making rosettes and pizelles in the Heritage Building at the Douglas County Fair. Blanche was preceded in death by her husband, Henry, her parents, and her brothers Lorenz and David. She is survived by her son Thomas and wife Zita of Willmar, her granddaughter Maia Hamann of Minneapolis, her sisters Lola Myrvold of Minneapolis and Marian Hamann of Florida, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 12, 2010, from 4-7 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Alexandria with Rev. Scott Keehn officiating. Burial will be at the Kinkead Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net