Leila Ruth Blank, age 95, of Whitehall, died on Sunday, March 10, 2013 in the Gundersen Tri-County Care Center in Whitehall. She had a long and joyful life with her husband, family and many friends. Special joys for Leila and Keil were time with grandchildren and great grandchildren, trips across the U.S. and Europe, and winters in Florida.

Leila was born on July 23, 1917 in Altura, MN to Henry and Edna (Hvambsal) Larson. Her family moved to Whitehall when Leila was 12 years old, and her father became manager of the local lumberyard. She attended college at St. Olaf and then University of Wisconsin-Stout, where she met Keil Blank and they were married in 1938. After WWII work near Omaha, they raised their family in Whitehall and Keil later became president of Larson Building Materials. Leila was a leader in her community and church. She was active for many years in the Duo Decum Club, Our Saviour's Lutheran Church and its WELCA, the Federated Women's Club, and she served as a Sunday school teacher and school volunteer. She was an excellent cook and seamstress, and over the years gave many piecework quilts and knitted ahgans as gifts. She also had a gift for reaching out to neighbors and providing a helping hand to many people. The last years of her life she was very kindly cared for at the Tri-County Care Center.

Leila is survived by her sister Mae (Charles) Pokorney of New Hope, MN, three children, Julie (David) McNaughton of Menomonie, Rolf (Barbara Gomez) Blank of Arlington, VA and Lois (Wallis Pattisonn) Blank of Melbourne, Australia, and by six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, all who gave Leila many happy moments and memories.
Leila was preceded in death by her husband, Keil, on February 17, 2006, an infant daughter, a sister, Ethel (Bob) Van Sickle and a brother, Alyn (Barbara) Larson.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 11 am in Our Saviour's Lutheran Church with burial in the Lincoln Cemetery both in Whitehall. Pastor Kris Fahey will officiate. Friends may call one hour prior to the service.

The Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall is assisting the family with arrangements.