Henry "Hank" R. Blondell, Jr

Our beloved storyteller has gone to Heaven to entertain all. Henry “Hank” R. Blondell Jr., age 83, passed away on May 15, 2026, at Hilltop Nursing Home in Watkins, Minnesota, surrounded by his loving family.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Ostmark Lutheran Church in rural Watkins, with a visitation beginning at 9:30 AM prior to the service. Pastor Joe Midthun will officiate. Interment will follow at the Ostmark Lutheran Church Columbarium.

Hank was born on March 4, 1943, to Henry A. Blondell and Norma (Klitzke) Blondell. He proudly served in the United States Army Reserve from 1961 to 1968.

In 1963, Hank met Linette Schultz. He stood her up on their first date to travel with friends—but he made it right, and the two were united in marriage on November 20, 1965. Together, they built a life on their hobby farm south of Watkins, where they lived for nearly 60 years and raised their three daughters. Hank spent his life as a truck driver. He began his career loading turkeys for Jennie-O before eventually purchasing his own semi.

Hank and Linette shared a love for animals that made their farm truly unique. Over the years, they cared for a variety of animals. Hank took particular pride in his horses, coon hounds, and chickens. He enjoyed deer hunting, raccoon hunting, and fishing for many years. Hank and Linette traveled across the United States with their dogs, participating in coon hound events. Along the way, they formed many lasting friendships.

Horses were his passion; he loved riding horses and driving buggies. He would take anyone who wanted to go for a ride. He was a devoted member of the Northern Minnesota Draft Horse Association from 1989 until his passing. He was also a member of the Zuhrah Shrine Horse Patrol. He enjoyed watching horse racing, rodeos and old-time westerns.

Above all, Hank will be remembered as a storyteller—anyone who went on an adventure with him came away with a story they would never forget.

Hank is survived by his wife, Linette Blondell; three daughters, Sheri (John) Gohmann of Kimball, Angie (Jed) Andersen of Watkins, and Wendy (Greg) Munt of Crystal; eight grandchildren, Cora, Casey, Jenna, Mya, Cruz, Allie, Logan, and Ty; one grandson-in-law, Brad; two great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Amelia; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Roger; his sister, Jeaneane “Jeanie”; his sister-in-law, Karen; his brother-in-law, Dean; and other beloved family members.