Frederick Donald Blake, age 88, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024 at his residence in Sarona, WI. He was born on April 8, 1936 in Chicago, IL, the son of Ormond and Agnes Blake. He was united in marriage to Carolyn Ann Eberhart on December 4, 1993 at Faith Lutheran Church in Forest Lake, MN.

Fred spent most of his career as a PhD research chemist at 3M company in St. Paul, earning the company 2 patents. But his real passion was in the appreciation and preservation of wilderness and nature. He designed, built and patented his own unique style of canoe (Giak) and paddled his boat through many expeditions throughout Ontario, Northern Quebec and the Northwest Territories. On the local level, he was a founding board member of the Washburn County Lakes and Rivers Association, working tirelessly to preserve the water quality of our Wisconsin waterways. And in 2023, Fred and Carolyn, along with Landmark Conservancy, placed their beautiful 165 acre forest property into a conservation easement, forever protecting the property for future generations.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn Blake of Sarona, WI; his children, Jeffrey (Donna Kelleher) Blake of Bellingham, WA, Stephen (Paula Welbig) Blake of Bayport, MN, Kelly Sisk of Hugo, MN, Matthew (Lisa) McCarron of Chisago City, MN and Jeffrey (LaTanya) McCarron of Glendale, AZ; his grandchildren, Kala, Lily, Abby, Ava, Michael and Thomas; his brother, John “Jack” (Edna) Blake of Norwell, MA; his nieces, Sandra and Wendy; and many dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Long Lake Lutheran Church, W3114 Church Road in Sarona, where visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. until the hour of the service. Rev. Roger Prois will officiate.

Last Update: Jan 08, 2025 1:49 pm CST