William Knilans Blakely

Darien, Wi-William K. ("Bill") Blakely, of Darien, Wisconsin died Thursday, November 6, 2014 in the wonderful care of Agrace & Palliative Care, Janesville, Wisconsin. He was born on February 18, 1921 in the very home where he lived for the next 93 years. He was a graduate of Darien High School and attended the University of Wisconsin for two years. He spent his entire life operating and managing his farm, but also had a "day job", first as a Foreman at Fairbanks Morse, followed by several years at Warner Electric Brake. Most of his work life, however, he was engaged as a supervisor for Libby, McNeil & Libby (later through an acquisition-Larsens Food). He was the supervisor for all rail and truck shipments in and out of the Libby/ Larsens plant. After retiring from Larsens he returned to operating the farm he loved, full time. Bill Blakely married Harriet Geist in 1944. She pre-deceased Bill on December 26, 2006. He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Bill (married to Susan Smith Blakely), Bob (married to Christal Jenkins Blakely), Cindy (married to Doug Hall); and his fianc, Evelyn Pearson, of Delavan. Surviving also are five granddaughters, two grandsons and one great granddaughter. Bill was a lifelong member of the Darien Baptist Church, a member of the Southern Lakes Masonic Lodge for 72 years (he was a 32nd Degree Mason) and he was a Shriner. The Darien Baptist Church will host a visitation of his life on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. There will be a Masonic service at the church in Darien following the visitation; the funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the same location. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the following charities: The Shriner Childrens' Burn Center, c/o Masons, Box 403, Delavan, Wisconsin 53115, or Agrace Hospice & Palliative Care, 2901 N. Wright Rd., Janesville, Wi. 53546.Betzer Funeral Home is serving the Blakely Family Service Information 3:00pm