Karl Paul Blank Jr.
Karl Paul Blank Jr., 74, Cornell, passed away Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, at Mayo Health Systems Hospital in Rochester, Minn.
Karl was born March 4, 1951, to Karl Sr. and Inez Blank, in Chippewa Falls.
He started school at The Wisconsin School for the Visually Handicapped, when he was five years old and graduated from there in 1970.
Karl later moved back to Cornell, to the family farm, to become a fourth generation farmer in his family. He loved farming and farmed for many years.
Since Karl was blind from birth, he knew his animals by sound and touch. He raised chickens and heifer calves, and helped family members with milking.
He married Rebecca “Becky” Rezutek, Oct. 10, 1998, in Rib Lake. When they were talking about dates for the wedding, they decided to get married on Becky’s birthday, so that is what they did. So, now they had two things to celebrate that day.
Karl and Becky met at the Wisconsin Lions Camp in Rosholt. Both of them attended the camp every year they were able to.
His first time attending camp was in 1959, and Becky’s was in 1995. Camp was something they looked forward to every year; it was a time for everyone in similar situations to get together for a couple weeks, and enjoy the outdoors and have fun.
Karl enjoyed fishing and hiking at camp, and with his family and friends. He and his nephew, Lee, always had a good time, bantering back and forth, when they were fishing and whenever they were together.
He was a very active member of the Cornell Lions Club, for 45 years. He joined the Lions in 1980, and during that time, he held many different positions, including president, zone chairman, and was known as the “Lion Tamer,” meaning he would make a lot of phone calls, making sure everyone was always informed on what was going on. During his time in the Lions club, seven of the area clubs got together and presented him a braille typewriter.
Karl never let his blindness stand in the way of anything he wanted to achieve. He loved listening to the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers on the radio. He would also visit the Cornell Schools and talk with students about his life. He also enjoyed making jewelry.
He is survived by his wife – Becky Blank, Cornell; sisters – Judy Stanek, Sharon Blank and Karol (Frank) Todd, all of Cornell, and Barbara Thompson (Dennis Towe), Kentucky; brothers and sisters-in-law – Tony Rezutek, Jon Rezutek and Chris Rezutek, all of Rib Lake, Maria Rezutek, Owen, and Jessica (Kevin) Rothmeyer, Edgar; many nieces; nephews; cousins; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents – Karl Sr. and Inez Blank; brothers-in-law – LaVerne Stanek and Duke Thompson; nephew – Mike Todd; two great-nephews – David Braden and Crager Spletter; his cousin – Mike Morning; and his mother and father-in-law – Anton and Rosezella Rezutek.
A celebration of life to honor Karl, is at The Silver Wolf in Cornell, Saturday, Sept. 6, from 1-6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that any monetary donations would be greatly appreciated and would be put toward Karl’s funeral expenses. Please send any monetary donations to: Borton-Leiser Funeral Home, P.O. Box 416, Cornell, WI, 54732.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.bortonleiserfuneralhome.com. Borton-Leiser Funeral Home in Cornell, is assisting the family.
