Dr. Laverne Blank

Dr. LaVerne Wayne Blank, of Davenport, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home on Oct. 7, 2014, surrounded by all of his children. He was 88 years old.

LaVerne was born on June 19, 1926 to Lloyd and Nellie Blank of Niles, Michigan. He is survived by his sister Shirley L. Elrod, of Davenport, Florida, and his brother Dr. William L. Blank, of Phoenix, Arizona. His siblings Lloyd Blank, Marguerite Coble, Beverly Blank and his wife, Merrialice Joyce Blank preceded him in death.

Dr. Blank is survived by his daughters Cherilyn (Philip) Watterson, of Greenville, South Carolina, Diane Carole Creekmur, of Greendale, Wisconsin, and his son David (Tina) Blank, of Niles, Michigan. He is survived by 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

LaVerne graduated from high school in Niles, Michigan, in 1944 and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served as a Corporal during WWII and was stationed in the South Pacific until the war ended.

On Aug. 29, 1946, he was united in marriage to Merrialice Joyce Kuhl in Plymouth, Indiana. They were married for 66 years.

Following the war, LaVerne studied Podiatry at the Chicago School of Podiatric Medicine. He later opened up a practice in Niles, Michigan, where he served as a Podiatric Physician and Surgeon until his retirement in 1989.

As a Podiatrist, he was well respected in his community and one of the pioneers in his field for establishing surgical privileges for the profession. He also served on local hospital boards and was an Alderman in the City of Niles. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church and an Elder for many years.

A memorial service for Dr. Blank was held at the Polo Park Community Club House located in Davenport, Florida, on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 4 p.m. The service was officiated by his grandson the Reverend Michael Kuckel and his friend the Reverend John Scott.

A memorial service for Dr. Blank will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church in Niles, Michigan with the Rev. Fran Lane-Lawrence of the church officiating. Inurnment will take place immediately following services.

Dr. Blank was affectionately known as Doc by those who knew him. He will be remembered for the love he had for his family and friends, his dedication to his profession and his deep religious faith. May God bless his memory and give strength to those that mourn his passing.

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