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In Memoriam

William Orin Blinn - Class Of 1930

William Orin Blinn, son of Peter (1858-1929) and Bertha (Mieleke) (1875-1937) Blinn, was born 25 November 1913, Okemos, Ingham County, Michigan.  He graduated in 1930 from Okemos High School.  William participated in football, track and basketball during his high school years.

William married Helen Elizabeth Washburn 21 July 1934, Cadillac, Wexford County, Michigan.  According to the marriage license William was listed as Orin William Blinn and Helen was documented as Elizabeth Helen Washborne.  Helen, born 2 March 1916, had also attended Okemos High School

William for many years was employed by Consumers Power Company rising to be supervisor of the company substation.  He and Helen had one child, a daughter.

Wiliam died 4 December 1994, Sunfield, Eaton County, Michigan. Helen died 3 March 1993, Sunfield.  They were interred Glendale Cemetery, Okemos.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Monday 5 December 1994

BLINN, WILLIAM O.

ELK LAKE, GLADWIN, MI    

Age 81, passed away Sunday, December 4, 1993 at his daughter's residence in Sunfield.  Mr. Blinn was born November 25, 1913 in Okemos, MI where he farmed and attended Okemos schools.  He played high school football and ran track, graduating in 1930.  He met his wife, Helen Washburn, which both attended Okemos High School.  They married July 21, 1934.  He went to work for Consumers Power Co. in 1934, was on their bowling and golf teams, retiring in December of 1970 as Sub Station Supervisor of the Electric Department, after 35 years of service.  In 1952, he and wife Helen purchased property on Elk Lake, where they built their summer home and moved to after retirement.  He as an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed hunting, fishing and carpentry work side by side with his wife.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Peer and Bertha Blinn; and 2 sisters, Laura Graf and Marie Nichols.  Surviving are his daughter, Shirley and son-in-law Henry James of Sunfield; grandson, Patrick; granddaughter, Suzanne, great grandson, Donovan.  Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Sunfield United Methodist Church with the Rev. Harris Hockwater officiating.  The family will receive friends 7-9 p.m. Monday and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at the Rosier Funeral Home, Mapes-Fisher Chapel, Sunfield.  Graveside services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday at Glendale Cemetery, Okemos.