Sylvester Gene Blank (Syl), 90, of West Des Moines passed peacefully Friday, September 9, 2022, surrounded by his three children.
Syl was born January 2, 1932, in Forest City, Iowa, to Thomas T. and Esther Marie (Malek) Blank. Syl grew up on the Blank farm near Hayfield, Iowa, and graduated from Hayfield High School in 1949. He received his undergraduate degree from Upper Iowa University in Fayette in June 1953. Syl served his country during the Korean War in the U. S. Army from 1953-1955. After discharge he enrolled at the University of Iowa in Iowa City and graduated with a Master of Arts Degree in 1958. He held a CPA certificate and was retired from a career with KPMG.
Syl met the love of his life, Emma Jean Slaughter, while they were both students at Upper Iowa University in Fayette. They were married October 2, 1953, in her hometown of McGregor, Iowa. Together they raised three children: Jonell Blank Clardy of Austin, Texas; Judy Blank of Des Moines and Neil D. Blank of Boulder, Colorado. Syl and Emma Jean shared 68 happy years together as husband and wife.
Syl and Emma Jean enjoyed a great deal of international and domestic travel. They were avid bicyclists and rode many, many miles on trails mostly in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Syl liked everything outdoors, particularly his annual fishing trips to a number of canadian lakes. Some years, Emma Jean and the children went along and the entire family loved their summer vacations together. Syl and Emma Jean took their children on many other trips to US national parks and shared their love of the land and country. Syl encouraged the preservation of Iowa lands through his interest in soil and water conservation, wetlands, reforestation and restoration.
Syl is survived by his three children Jonell (Mark Clardy), Judy (Tom Sawyer) and Neil (Margaret); grandchildren Geneva Clardy Baker, Jesse Blank, Abbie Sawyer (great grandchildren Emily and Leo), and Jacob Sawyer (Becca). He was preceded in death by his father and mother; his wife Emma Jean; brothers Lee, Jack and Curtis; and sisters Tessie, Eunice and Marcia. He was the middle child in a family of seven.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions be made to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation https://www.inhf.org/. Syl would also encourage anyone to take up cycling, support local conservation efforts, plant a garden, and spend time with family.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 29th at 11:00 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 3700 Cottage Grove in Des Moines. Refreshments following at the church. A private committal will be at Resthaven Mausoleum in West Des Moines.
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