In Memory of Joseph Blanch
1944 - 2023

Joseph Paul Blanch, beloved husband, father, grandpa, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home on November 10, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife, Vicki Rae Blanch, and their family. Born in Logan, Utah, on December 14, 1944, Joe was the youngest child of George Thomas Blanch and Eva Baxter Blanch. He grew up in Logan, where his father was a professor of agricultural economics at Utah State University. When Joe was 14, he and his family spent two years living in Tehran, Iran, where his father provided agricultural assistance to Iran and the Agricultural College of Karadj. Joe attended the American School in Tehran, where he was elected student body president and earned his first Athletic letter. Joe said that this “initiated his love for competition.” When his family returned to Utah Joe attended Logan High School, where he played on the basketball and tennis teams and was on student council. Joe served an LDS mission to New Zealand, then attended Utah State University. At USU, Joe was a member of the Phi Eta Sigma Fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi honor society, and the Blue Key National Honor Society; he played freshman varsity tennis and was elected Senior Class President and Personality of the Year. Joe met Vicki Rae Eyre Blanch, the love of his life, on a blind date to a USU dance. The two were sealed in the Logan LDS temple on September 15, 1969. Three days later, they packed all their belongings into a tiny red VW bug and drove across the country to Chicago, Illinois, so Joe could attend dental school at Northwestern University. Living in the shadow of Wrigley Field, they quickly became Cubs fans. After graduation, Joe served as a dentist in the U.S. Army dental corps. Stationed in Germany, Joe and Vicki had many adventures throughout Europe. After a short assignment in White Sands, New Mexico, Joe left active duty and he and Vicki moved their family back home to Logan. Joe remained in the Army Reserve for many years, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. In Logan, Joe opened his family dental practice. As a dentist, Joe quietly served his community. He provided care to everyone, even those he knew could not pay. At times, he accepted fees for his services with goods he did not need – he was once even paid with a live rooster. He was the president of the Jaycees and the Kiwanis clubs and received a Kiwanis meritorious service award for his quiet generosity as a dentist. Joe was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. He especially loved being Bishop of a student ward and serving with Vicki for 8 years as a service missionary, giving tours of the LDS Conference Center. In his free time, Joe continued his lifelong love of sports. He played regular tennis matches with his friends, pitched for many softball teams, played spirited church basketball and a mean game of golf. He and Vicki tried never to miss an Aggie football or basketball game and had season tickets to the Jazz. When not playing or watching sports, Joe and Vicki continued their love of travel, visiting many countries in Europe, Central America, and Asia. Joe and Vicki had six children and 11 grandchildren. These children were always his first priority. He never missed a sporting event, recital, or dance review. He coached their sports teams, drove them to practices, and cheered them on from the sidelines. He liked to win, but always taught that sportsmanship was everything.

Please join his family in honoring Joseph by making a donation to the Brett Blanch Scholarship in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences at Utah State University.  The scholarship will benefit students in the Department of Communication Studies & Philosophy.