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Danny Joe (Digger) Blanck
SEPTEMBER 2, 1961 - MARCH 6, 2024
Danny Joe (Digger) Blanck, 62, passed away peacefully March 6, 2024, at his
home. He was born September 2, 1961, in Topeka KS, the son of Raymond and
DeLora (Garrett) Blanck.
Danny was a son, brother, cousin, husband, father, bonus dad and grandfather.
He had a half-brother, Rick Hamilton (Ronnalee) Portland, Oregon, and two
sisters, Susan Blanck-Harlan (Steve) and Jeannie Blanck-Griffith (Jeff), both in
Wakarusa, KS.
Danny graduated from Washburn Rural High School in 1979. While he was in
school and after he graduated, he worked for Brown’s Super Service. In 1980, he
started his career at the VA Hospital in Topeka KS. He was a Nurse Assistant for 3
years in the psychiatric ward, 10 years on the grounds crew and 23 years in the
boiler plant. He was proud to serve the veterans of this country for 36 years. For
his 55 th Birthday he gave himself the gift of retirement.
He was a board member of the Shawnee Center Cemetery and took great pride in
taking care of his friends’ and relatives’ final resting place.
Digger was a lifelong resident of Wakarusa and felt blessed and was grateful to
live close to family and the 93 rd street grapevine, as he called it. He was a 4-H
member and had fond memories of growing up in the country and being able to
have pigs, cows, and chickens and many stories of mischief with cousins. In 1981
he married Lisa Hogan and they had 2 sons together, Cody Blanck (Anji) and Kyle
Blanck (girlfriend Bailey) and later they divorced.
In 2011, Digger married Shawni Viergever in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in a limo
right before the parade started. Then they were in the parade throwing candy and
attending parade after-parties. With that marriage, he became the bonus dad of
2 bonus sons, Devin Viergever (Caitlyn) and Dalton Viergever(Renee).
Over the years, he became a proud Grandpa of 10 Grandchildren (listed by age)
and attended many sporting events, book fairs, birthday parties and untangled a
lot of fishing lines.
Carson Blanck, Kailyn Blanck, Mariah Blanck, Aleya Sorrell, Davi Viergever, Finlee
Blanck, Noble Blanck, Hunter Viergever, Bob Viergever and Ella Beilhartz.
Digger loved hunting, fishing and seeing the grandkids catch fish, in the pond in
front of his house. He liked to attend any type of racing event, dirt track,
motorcross, NHRA etc. and attended many races. He enjoyed music and went to
many concerts and would tell everyone Whiskey Myers was the best band ever!
He always looked forward to daily calls from his son Kyle, taco Tuesdays,
Wednesday night supper with friends, Friday chicken wings lunch with his buddy,
hunting and fishing trips. He had a lot of fun going to garage sales and finding
“Treasures”. There will be a “Treasure” sale later this summer, watch for the
signs. Digger and Shawni had a great time traveling together and had many great
adventures.
No need to dress up, Digger was a Carhartt and jeans guy so just put on your best
Carhartt shirt and jeans and please join us for grave side services at the Shawnee
Center Cemetery March 14, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. and a celebration of life and lunch
will be held at the Wakarusa church following the services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Midland Care at 200 SW Frazier
Circle, Topeka, KS, 66606 or the Wakarusa Presbyterian Church at Box 135,
Wakarusa, KS, 66546
Online condolences may be sent to AngelsAboveCS.com
Read Prayers and Memory's for “Danny Joe (Digger) Blanck”
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I remember as children when Digger and his family would travel on vacation to our “current” location somewhere in the US. We would have great fun visiting local destinations, be it Mt St Helen, Mt Hood, Waterfront in Seattle…just to name a few. That particular summer it was raining one day when there was not any local destination on the agenda…us kids went down in the basement and rode bikes round and round in the basement until we were completely worn out. We had so much fun as kids, no worries about the stresses of life.
I was so sad to hear this news, and even more sad as I remembered all the fun childhood memories when our families would get together. My condolences to all of his family. My deepest sympathy to you, my prayers and love I send to you all.
Rest Well my Friend,
Cindy Hays
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow, we have known digger for many of years, he always had a big smile and laugh, he will be missed by all that knew him, may he rest in peace.
Danny, Miss you already!
While employed at the VA Hospital, I vividly remember a day where you and another watched out for me. I was only 16 and working in the canteen. You'd brought a Veteran there to purchase food and he'd become angry; however, your quick response kept me safe. I knew from that moment you were a "hero" and would do great thing's. I eventually left the VA, but at time's have thought about that day.
After reading of your passing...you were a hero and much more to so many lives you encountered. A beautiful obituary...I'm sorry for your family and friend's without your physical presence and hope the memories made will bring comfort in the forthcoming day's.
I was so shocked and sorry to hear of Danny's passing. I just recently found out from a relative.
I remember back in high school days that "Digger" was an onery "little shit" and proud of it. Through the years I would run into him somewhere, the most seeing him when I used to work out at the VA Hospital as well and seeing him & Shawni mowing the grass at the cemetery. And most recent, last fall, saw him & Shawni again at the Wakarusa Cemetery, but this time putting up a new sign because the original one had been damaged. But every time or almost every time I saw him, he had a smile on his face (or a grin).
My condolences to his family. He will be missed.