Rick Charles Blanchard

Rick Charles Blanchard, 75, of Battle Creek, Michigan died peacefully on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Rick was born September 17, 1950, in Battle Creek, Michigan to Charles Harrison and Joy Louise (Wheaton) Blanchard. He grew up in Battle Creek and was a 1968 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. He left college to serve his country in the U.S. Army. After leaving the Army, he earned a degree in business from Kellogg Community College. Rick dedicated 32 years to his work in procurement until his retirement from TC Transcontinental in 2018.

Rick Charles Blanchard and Patricia Ann Rook were united in marriage on July 19, 1975 at First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek, MI. Rick remained a devoted husband to Pat for over 51 years, raising four children in a home the couple lived in for 50 years.

Rick was a proud U.S. Army veteran and an avid University of Michigan fan. Each Christmas, he and his best friend Jack made their annual pilgrimage to UMich to buy gifts for their families and friends. He enjoyed attending and watching Big Ten Wrestling and Basketball. You could find Rick at the Griffin Grill & Pub enjoying laughter and conversation with family, friends, and staff. He enjoyed golf, as well as Folk and ‘60s music. He was an avid WWII military history buff and enjoyed suspense and thriller novels. He was well respected by his colleagues and loved by his family and friends. This love and respect was surely due in part to his dry sense of humor and easygoing nature.  Above all else, he was always supportive and understanding of his family.

Surviving are his wife, Pat; children, Janet (Dan) Brandi of Akron, OH, Gail (Mark) Dittenber of Dallas, TX, John (Krystina) Blanchard of Kalamazoo, Josh (Alexis) Blanchard of St. Louis, MO; three grandchildren, Hazel, Ian and Charles Blanchard; two brothers, Steven (Karen) Blanchard and Ronald (Kelly) Blanchard all of Battle Creek; best friend since 5th grade, Jack Fowler and several cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. Rick was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Cynthia Blanchard.

Friends will be received 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, where a funeral service to celebrate Rick’s life will be held 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Military honors and committal will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made Payable to “Michigan Medicine”, 777 E. Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 650, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.