Willard Roger Blake

Willard Roger Blake, 89, of Coon Rapids, MN, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, February 15, 2024, with loved ones at his side. Willard was born at home in Henriette, MN, on January 20, 1935, to Florence Dorothy (Strom) and Ward Everette Blake Sr. He grew up the youngest of four boys at a time when there was no plumbing or electricity in their home. As a young boy, he attended Sunday School at the United Methodist Church with perfect attendance. He went to school in Henriette before attending Pine City High School. As he got older, Willard enjoyed tinkering with mechanics and learning how to make things work more efficiently. Around 1958, he joined his eldest brother Ward Jr. at Blake Engineering, performing soil test borings until 1965, when he purchased the division. After that, he began test drilling for contractors, often giving recommendations for dewatering. In the mid-1970s, Willard realized there was a niche to fill. He bought his first pump and began installing his own wellpoint dewatering systems. He spent years building the business and became a competitive force in the industry. Today, Blake Drilling Company, Inc. is well known and respected in the underground construction industry. Willard had an immense love of music and a sense of humor that could put a smile on anyone's face. He worked the daily crossword puzzle and the Cryptoquip, often blanking out the clue before solving it. He put many miles on his RV over the years, taking trips to Arizona, the north shore, and his property in Pokegama. He enjoyed weekends at the hunting cabin during deer season, even if he didn't try to shoot anything. Most importantly, Willard loved his family and friends. His home was always open to guests, and he took pride in helping those in need. Willard is preceded in death by his parents; son, Scott Blake; grandson, Baby Lon; brothers, Ward Blake Jr., Milton Blake, and Dwight Blake. He is survived by his children, Michael Blake, Lani Blake Thorne, Robin Blake, and Jill Bukosky; grandchildren, Gena Will, Scott Will, Anthony (Anna) Blake, Daniel Blake, Chelsey Blake, Christina (Mario) Olivares, and Nicolas (Hodan) Blake; great-grandchildren, Shiloh Blake, Jack Will, Cayden Blake, Zion Blake, Adelyn Will, Ava Blake, Axel Blake, and Ian Olivares; mothers of his children, Janice Tijerina (nee Molin) and Julie Rumreich (nee Pettipiece); life partner, Shirley Klinzman and family, Lisa Franks (Dakota and Kahli Rose), David & Jill Klinzman (Makynna, Hannah, Olivia, and Sophia), and Kelly & Eric Klein (Makayla and Payton); as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 1, 2024, at Washburn-McReavy Chapel, 1827 Coon Rapids Blvd, Coon Rapids, with visitation one hour prior beginning at 10:00 a.m. Luncheon to follow at Coon Rapids VFW Post 9625. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Washburn-McReavy Coon Rapids Chapel (763) 767-1000

Tributes

Willard Roger Blake

January 20, 1935 - February 15, 2024

Tributes

Willard Roger Blake

January 20, 1935 - February 15, 2024

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