Len F. Blancher Sr (84), of Boise Idaho, passed away April 25, 2023.

Len was born February 11, 1939, in Okanogan Washington. He attended schools in the Coeur d’Alene Idaho area. It was there he had his first job on a golf course. One of his fondest memories was being able to caddy for Bing Crosby. Upon completing high school in Coeur d’Alene, Len joined the United State Navy. He served on the USS Perkins from 10/31/1956 – 1/11/1960. Upon his honorable discharge, Len moved to Montana. His first job out of the service was working in a meat packing company.

Eventually his path would change. In 1963 Len became a member of the Operating Engineers Local No. 400 He operated heavy machinery (the crane being his favorite). That would be his career, which took him to many different places in Montana, until he retired in 1998. It was in Helena Montana that he met his wife, Helen. They were married on September 5, 1975. Len was not a man to sit still. Following his retirement, he moved to Lincoln Montana and started a portable sawmill business with his son, LeRoy. In 2004, he and his wife moved to Pierce Idaho. Len enjoyed many hobbies during his lifetime. As a young man, he enjoyed racing motorcycles and snowmobiles. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and dredging. He was an avid reader, western novels being his favorite. Len spent many years cutting stones and making jewelry. He always had to be doing something.

Len is survived by his 5 children, Len Blancher Jr, ID; Elizabeth Blancher, WA; Vickie Love, WY; Connie (Brad) Varland, ID; LeRoy (Lynda) Blancher, MT; brother Virgil (Alice) Blancher, MT; brother Jerry Blancher, ID; brother-in-law Mike (Cindy) Evenson, MT; sister-in-law Carol (Clayton) Grewell, MT. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Len was preceded in death by his wife Helen Blancher, his parents Ervin and Reta Blancher, brother Garry Blancher, brother Kenny Blancher, sister Leota Elarco, grandson Shawn Varland, mother and father-in law Rolland and Audrey Evenson, sister and brother-in-law Gary and Cathy Ziele.

At Len’s request, there will be no services. He will be cremated, and his ashes spread alongside his wife at a later date.