David L. Blakely, Sr., 86, of Sandusky, passed away peacefully late Friday morning, February 19, 2021, in the Stein Hospice Care Center, Sandusky.
Born on April 16, 1934, in Sandusky, OH the son of Harold James "Blake" and Anita Julia (Roth) Blakely. He was a 1952 graduate of St. Mary's High School. David retired from the Chesapeake Display and Packaging Co. (formerly Westvaco) where he worked for nearly 50 years, before retiring in 1998. Over the years, he enjoyed bowling, having bowled in different leagues in the local area and had at one time been a member of the Hook Line and Sinker Bowling League. He also enjoyed going fishing when he could. David was a true fan of NASCAR, but his family will remember him mostly for how, in his earlier days, he built and owned his own "Super Modified" Racing Cars that he raced at the Sandusky Speedway, until 1972.
He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.
David is survived by his wife of 65 years, Donna J. (Riedy) Blakely, whom he married on October 29, 1955; his two daughters, Deborah A. (Jim Harris) Blakely and Christine M. (Christopher) Fresch; and his son, David L. (Vanessa) Blakely, Jr., all of Sandusky; eight grandchildren, Jennifer (Edmund) Weyer, Jason Fresch, Chelsea (Elliott) Holstrom, Jessica (Ben Roberts) Blakely, David L. (Kristine Baker) Blakely III, Isabella, Matthew and Dominic Blakely; five great-grandchildren, Madison and Morgan Weyer, Cooper and Brody Fresch, Hunter Lee Blakely and one on the way !; his sister, Mary Ann Koelsch of Castalia; and his nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Karen Warren; and two brothers, Kenneth Blakely, Sr. and James "Tim" Blakely.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, from 4-7 pm at the David F. Koch Funeral and Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky. Due to the COVID-19 health concerns, the wearing of face masks (they will be offered) and social distancing will be mandatory. If you are uneasy about attending, please feel free to leave a message to the family on our website. Prayers will be recited Thursday morning, February 25, 2021, at 9:30 am at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 429 Central Avenue, Sandusky. Fr. Chris Jesudhason officiating. At the request of the family, cremation will take place following the services.
The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made in his memory to St. Mary's Catholic Church, 429 Central Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870 or to Stein Hospice Service, Inc., 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870.
Your memories and words of comfort may be shared with David's family at davidfkoch.com.
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