James T. Blanske, age 64, of Isanti died September 8, 2022 at home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, September 16th at Strike Life Tributes in Isanti. A visitaiton will be held one hour prior to the funeral.
There will also be a Memorial Benefit for my Jim on Saturday, September 24th from 2pm – 5pm at the Isanti VFW.
James Thomas Blanske was born January 11, 1958 in Robbinsdale, Minnesota to Thomas and Audrey (Hommes) Blanske. He graduated from Robbinsdale High School in 1976. On August 7, 1993 Jim married Michelle Erickson in Maple Grove. They were blessed with four children, Brent, Hollie, Bo and Jamie, and raised their family in Oak Grove. Jim started riding Harleys at the age of 18 and it grew to be his number one passion and favorite hobby throughout his life. He shared that passion with his wife and his favorite way to spend quality time with her was to go on a motorcycle ride. It didn’t matter where they rode, as long as they were together. Jim had an unwavering love for his family and spending time with them was always very important. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, football, and wrestling. He coached his kid’s sports and was their number one fan. Jim was often a man of few words, but always spoke with kindness and intent. He had a very calm and welcoming personality which made him very loveable by so many. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and will forever be in our hearts.
Jim passed away September 8, 2022 at home surrounded by family at the age of 64 years. He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his loving wife, Michelle; four children, Brent (Sarah) Blanske, Hollie (Sean) Pille, Bo Blanske, and Jamie (Zach) Kok; three sisters, Mary (Brian) Warhol, Pat (Herb) Morsching, and Jeannie Blanske; one grandson, Jett James Pille; and by many other relatives and friends.
Jimmy and I grew up together in Robbinsdale. We played football together, we wrestled together, and we lifted weights together at the Noble Street Gym ( we converted his garage into a weight lifting facility), we also bought our first motorcycle’s together on the same day. We also spent a lot of our free time together hanging out as friends , sometimes creating our own mischief and listening to Warren Zevon. Jimmy was one of the hardest working guys I knew, he was always honest and kind, just what a person would want in a best friend. Even as we aged and our paths went in different directions we would try to stay in touch with each other over the years. He was a very proud person, proud of his marriage to his wife Michelle and proud of all his kids. Jimmy was one of my best friends and those memories of him will always be with me. Some day we will meet again my friend.
Jim was a kind and special man.
Jim and I were high school wrestling teammates. I looked up to him as a hard worker and one who raised the bar of excellence. Whenever I drive down Noble avenue I remember the Noble street gym and vividly recall often seeing Jim out for a run.
My prayers are with your family.
I worked for Jim for a number of years. He was a hard worker who always put his family first. He was a kind and caring person who believed in the Lord. It showed it the way he treated others always with kindness. Prayers of healing for his family and friends.
Michelle and Kids, we are saddend by the news of Jim’s passing. Please accept our families’ deepest condolances. Rick & Gail, Amber, Thor, Summer, April, and Eric Mengelkoch
Jimmy was an amazing person. First time riding with Jimmy was with my husband Marty and where heading to a place in Minneapolis. We where riding through Lowery Hill tunnel, Jimmy was on our left side, he popped throttle on his motorcycle. It was loud. When I tried to give Jimmy a hard time about it, he looked at me, smiled and started laughing.
Going to miss you very much Jimmy. Your stories, laugh, smile and hugs. A place forever in my heart, Jimmy
I graduated high school with Jim, I don’t remember many but I do remember him. So sweet. My sympathies.
I knew Jimmy from back when I was a member of the Dry Riders Motorcycle Club. He was always soft spoken, kind, honest and just a great man with a calmness that I admired. My ex husband Mark was a very good friend of Jimmys and he always spoke very highly of him.
You guys have had an extremely hard road. Just know that God is always with you, so lean on Him during these difficult times. I know first hand what it’s like to loose a spouse. You have my sincere, deepest sympathy.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and He will direct your path. And we know that in all things, He works for the good for those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose.