Memorial Fund for Nick Blanksma
Donation protected
On July 4th, 2024, while families everywhere celebrated our nations birth of independence, the family of Nick Blanksma suffered an unimaginable tragedy.
Nick, a beloved partner, papa, father, brother, and uncle, passed away in his home and was found by his partner Tina and family. He was 46. While his family are still waiting for answers on his manner of death from the medical examiner, they are in shock and reeling from this incredible loss. He leaves behind many individuals who are just as devastated he is no longer with us.
Nick was always willing to help others and was a strong presence in his neighborhood and community. As the store manager for Bailey’s IGA in Rochester, WA, he was vital to its operation. On top of his regular job duties he did all their commercials and would even take grocery orders for seniors and personally deliver them to their door. He served his country as a Sergeant First Class in the US Army for 15 years.
Nick was truly selfless. To show how much, here are the words of his 15 year old step-granddaughter Sofia:
“I lost my papa, my best friend, and my biggest supporter. As Nick's granddaughter, I can say he's the most thoughtful person i have met. He took care of me from 0 to 15. He took me in instantly when i needed a home and treated me as his daughter. I moved in around December 2017, though I had lived with him and my nana off and on while my mother struggled with drug addiction. He was my everything, and now that we have lost him I have lost part of my heart. It was extremely unexpected and heartbreaking, and now our family is going through extreme stress, poverty and heartbreak. My papa would do anything for me, and the rest of my family. He provided for us all. He took me to cheer practices and games, he cooked for us every night, he took me to my drivers ed classes and supported me through every stressful moment, though he isn't here to do that anymore. I feel there is a massive hole in my heart, and I am not sure what to do without someone so important in my life. My nana and papa split the bills, and though we have never had much extra money, papa has always stepped in to make sure we have what we need, even if it wasn't affordable. Now that he isn't here with us, we are struggling. My nana is using credit cards to pay for bills we cannot afford, and worrying about how to feed us. We are working hard to keep our house and life together, but it is very hard without the love and support from my papa. Any help would be appreciated, and used for bills and food. I feel like my whole world is falling apart.”
In the wake of this tragic loss, any help to cover the memorial expenses and provide a financial buffer for Tina and Nick’s family during this difficult time is appreciated, no matter how small. Let's come together to honor his memory and show support to his family in their time of need.
Nick, a beloved partner, papa, father, brother, and uncle, passed away in his home and was found by his partner Tina and family. He was 46. While his family are still waiting for answers on his manner of death from the medical examiner, they are in shock and reeling from this incredible loss. He leaves behind many individuals who are just as devastated he is no longer with us.
Nick was always willing to help others and was a strong presence in his neighborhood and community. As the store manager for Bailey’s IGA in Rochester, WA, he was vital to its operation. On top of his regular job duties he did all their commercials and would even take grocery orders for seniors and personally deliver them to their door. He served his country as a Sergeant First Class in the US Army for 15 years.
Nick was truly selfless. To show how much, here are the words of his 15 year old step-granddaughter Sofia:
“I lost my papa, my best friend, and my biggest supporter. As Nick's granddaughter, I can say he's the most thoughtful person i have met. He took care of me from 0 to 15. He took me in instantly when i needed a home and treated me as his daughter. I moved in around December 2017, though I had lived with him and my nana off and on while my mother struggled with drug addiction. He was my everything, and now that we have lost him I have lost part of my heart. It was extremely unexpected and heartbreaking, and now our family is going through extreme stress, poverty and heartbreak. My papa would do anything for me, and the rest of my family. He provided for us all. He took me to cheer practices and games, he cooked for us every night, he took me to my drivers ed classes and supported me through every stressful moment, though he isn't here to do that anymore. I feel there is a massive hole in my heart, and I am not sure what to do without someone so important in my life. My nana and papa split the bills, and though we have never had much extra money, papa has always stepped in to make sure we have what we need, even if it wasn't affordable. Now that he isn't here with us, we are struggling. My nana is using credit cards to pay for bills we cannot afford, and worrying about how to feed us. We are working hard to keep our house and life together, but it is very hard without the love and support from my papa. Any help would be appreciated, and used for bills and food. I feel like my whole world is falling apart.”
In the wake of this tragic loss, any help to cover the memorial expenses and provide a financial buffer for Tina and Nick’s family during this difficult time is appreciated, no matter how small. Let's come together to honor his memory and show support to his family in their time of need.
Organizer and beneficiary
Sarah Simpson
Organizer
Rochester, WA
Tina Gese
Beneficiary