William (Bill) F. Blank

STOW - Our beloved husband, father, and Papa, William (Bill) F. Blank, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2024, at the age of 80 after a brief and unexpected battle with pancreatic cancer.

Predeceased by father, William C. Blank; mother, Catherine L. (Agner) Blank; father-in-law, Charles N. Harbison; mother-in-law, Beatrice A. (Lehman) Harbison; and brother-in-law, Bruce C. Harbison, Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Janet (Harbison) Blank; his loving daughters, Kirsten (Brad) Jagger, and Heather (Kenneth) Syx; granddaughters, Rachel (Skylor) Field, and Amy Jagger (fiancé Will Smith); and step-grandsons, Andrew Syx and Jason Syx.

Bill was a 1961 graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School and went on to attend Hiram College where he met his bride. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree there, and later a Bachelor of Science in Education degree and a Master of Education degree at Kent State University.

He and “his Janie”, as he always affectionately referred to her, married on August 21, 1965, and happily raised their two daughters in Stow. He had a 30-year career as a dedicated educator at Stow High School, teaching American History and serving as Social Studies department chairman from 1967 until his retirement in 1997. He also became a familiar face in the community working as a part-time bank teller at various local banks in Stow on Saturdays during the school year and throughout the summer months. In retirement, Bill and Janet joyfully served together as volunteers at Western Reserve Hospital for 12 years and delighted in the fellowship and love of their church family.

All who knew Bill could vouch for not only his love of family, but also for his favorite hobby since childhood, model trains. He loved sharing his passion for history with others, and his infectious laugh warmed his home. His idea of impeccably dressed was a vest, cuff links, and a gold pocket watch - a look he was well known for. He loved “The Peanuts”, especially Snoopy, which his students would likely recall. Bill always wore a warm smile, and he will be remembered and deeply missed for his kind and gentle soul that was a true gift to his family, friends, neighbors, and all who knew him.

Please join us for a memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at First United Methodist Church in Cuyahoga Falls, 245 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls OH, 44221. Visitation will be held from 10 AM - 12 PM, in the church parlor, followed immediately by a memorial service in the sanctuary. A private burial will take place on Friday, February 16, 2024.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Music Department at First United Methodist Church in Cuyahoga Falls , “In Memory of William Blank.”

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at redmonfuneralhome.com