Bairn Blanding

Thielma Jean (Bairn) Blanding

Bairn Blanding passed away on April 15, 2009 in Detroit Lakes, MN at the age of 87. She lived in Detroit Lakes for over 65 years and was involved in many social, civic, school and professional activities. Bairn will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

She was born December 28, 1921 in Cedar Falls, IA to Dr. and Mrs. George Bairnson. Following high school in Cedar Falls, she attended Stephens College in Columbia, MO and went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota in 1943 with a degree in medical bacteriology. She married Richard Blanding in 1943 and moved to his hometown of Detroit Lakes to raise a family, begin a career, and become involved in the community.

She was involved in numerous associations and donated her time and considerable energy to many groups and activities. She was president of the Rossman School P.T.A., president of the Camp Fire Girls Council and a Sunday School Teacher at the Congregational Church for ten years.

She was employed at St. Mary’s Hospital for 16 years, working as a medical technologist and bacteriologist. She became head of the laboratory and served as technical director of the C. W. Moberg Memorial Blood Bank.

Everyone who knew Bairn knew of her love of sports, playing tennis and golf. Accordingly she served as president of the D. L. Women’s Golf Association and was chairman of the pairing and timing committee for the Pine to Palm Golf Association for 16 years. She belonged to several doll and miniature clubs, both regional and national, and was past president of the Red River Valley Doll Club.

Bairn Blanding is survived by her husband of 65 years, Richard Blanding of Detroit Lakes; three daughters, Georganne Hunter (Stephen Dahl) of Duluth, MN, Barbara Bartholdi (Charles) of Mahtomedi, MN, and Carol Blanding (Douglas Pagels) of Boulder, Co. She is also survived by her sister, Georganne Mennin of New York, NY; brother, Dr. Thomas Bairnson of Sarasota, FL; and by four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren

A celebration of her life will be held at a future date.