LeRoy Blessington

LeRoy “Lee” Blessington, age 91, of Sac City, IA passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at Black Hawk Life Care Center in Lake View, IA. Lee was born on May 10, 1922, to James and Bertha (Voss) Blessington at Westside, IA. He attended school at Westside through the eighth grade. He was baptized into Christian faith as a young adult. Lee was a member of Lakes United Methodist Church in Lake View.

Lee served his country in the United States Navy from November 1942 through October 1945 earning the rank of Machinist’s Mate 3rd class. He was aboard the USS McKee, which received 11 battle stars for World War II service.

On January 27, 1947, Lee was united in marriage to Marie Hott. They made their home in Sac City and were the parents of three children: Lyle, Sally and Donna. He was an auto mechanic and owner/operator of Blessington Service from 1960-1974.  He then worked at Noble Manufacturing until they closed and at Proliant in Lytton until his retirement. Lee was happiest when he was working on cars, his lifelong hobby.  He looked forward to the days when Arnie picked him up at the care center to work with him in his garage or take him on outings.  He also cherished Lyle’s annual visit to Iowa when their mutual love of cars could be realized together for a couple of weeks at a time.  Family was the center of Lee’s life and Marie was always his main concern.  He enjoyed visits from family and friends, especially all the great-grandchildren; he always had treats for them.  Lee was known for playing the harmonica and liked to entertain the residents at the care center, especially his biggest fan, Ed.  Lee’s caretakers became a part of his family and held a very special place in his heart.  His sense of humor and kind and gentle spirit will certainly be missed, but never forgotten.

Survivors include his wife, Marie of Lake View; his children: Lyle Blessington and wife Jeri of Mesa, AZ, Sally Witte and husband Darwyn of Des Moines, and Donna Schwanz and special friend Henry Horst of Lake View; 10 grandchildren: Kristie (Grant) LoPresti, Tamara (Chris) Funkhouser, Michelle Hoogendoorn, LeRoy Blessington, Jason (Julie) Witte, Sarah Witte, Nathan (Lindsay) Witte, Chad Schwanz, Casey (Jaime) Schwanz, and Julie (John) Brincks; 16 great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; brother Arnold (Ethel) Blessington of Lake View; sisters: Margaret Teague of Auburn and Dorothy O’Tool of Odebolt; sisters-in-law: Delores Blessington of Lake View and Blenna Blessington of Lake View; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

LeRoy “Lee” Blessington, age 91, of Sac City, IA passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at Black Hawk Life Care Center in Lake View, IA. Lee was born on May 10, 1922, to James and Bertha (Voss) Blessington at Westside, IA. He attended school at Westside through the eighth grade. He was baptized into Christian faith as a young adult. Lee was a member of Lakes United Methodist Church in Lake View.