Lonard L. Blansett, 90, of Bettendorf, passed away Monday, March 3, 2025, at his residence.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Van Hoe Funeral Home, East Moline.  Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Hampton Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Quad Cities Veterans Association.

Lonard was born on September 13, 1934, in Pontiac, MI, the son of Fred and Helen (Klinkenberger) Blansett.  He married Elvira Mable Luse on June 21, 1959.  Lonard worked as a switchman for the Sioux Line Railroad for over 30 years and served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps.  As a member of East Moline Four Square Church faith was very important to him. He could often be found on his porch or favorite chair reading his bible and was an insightful member of his church's bible study.  Spending time with his family was his most treasured time and he also liked to collect things like knick knacks, stamps and coins.  A history buff, he enjoyed studying all eras of US history, especially the Civil War Era.  Lonard enjoyed learning new words by working the daily crossword, reading the Smithsonian and National Geographic and any other edifying literature and would share this love with anyone who would listen.

Lonard is survived by his wife, Elvira Blansett, Bettendorf, IA; sons, Robert Blansett, Wisconsin and Lonard C. (Sherry) Blansett, Bettendorf, IA; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Amanda Blair; and brothers, Robert Blansett and Frank (Judy) Combs.  He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother and daughter, Nancy Blansett.