Erkel, Blanche Fearing age 95, passed away on September 6th, 2014, in Onamia. She was born July 9, 1919, in Eagle Bend, Minnesota and raised on a farm with an older brother Percy and two younger sisters, Marlys and Mavis, all of whom preceded her in death. Blanche was undoubtedly smart, earning a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from the University of Minnesota and a Masters in Food & Nutrition from Michigan State University. Blanche was married to the late Dr. Ralph Erkel DVM, who practiced in St. Cloud, Minneapolis, Southern California and Fridley, Blanche worked for the Food and Drug Administration for 20 years as a consumer affairs specialist. She volunteered for the National Organization of Woman, the DFL Feminists and many Democratic political campaigns, including for her son-in-law Gerry Sikorski, former MN Congressman. In retirement, she settled in the Lake Mille Lacs area and Fort Pierce, FL, finally returning to Minnesota. She was an amazing woman who never lost her quick smile, high energy, fighting spirit and zest for life. She is survived by: son Michael & Susan Erkel of Onamia, MN; daughter Susan & Gerry Sikorski of Fairfax Station, VA; daughter Sally Erkel of Ft Pierce, FL and niece Joan Shedden Pease of Newburg, NY; granddaughters: Anne Sikorski, Jenah Gross, Michaela McAlpine, and Rachael Niesen and grandniece Megan Shedden; great-grandchildren: Isabel, Madison, Alison and Isaac. She will be greatly missed by everyone. Interment private.