Jarl Edward Blank, age 87 of Charleston, Illinois passed away on Saturday, June 2, 2018 while at Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The Funeral Mass honoring and celebrating his life held at the Newman Catholic Center, Charleston.  A private burial held at Roselawn Cemetery. 

Jarl was born October 18, 1930 in Olney, Illinois, the son of the late Sylvester and Mary (Michl) Blank.  He married Marilyn Cook in June of 1956 and they went on to share 37 years together before her untimely death in 1993. Jarl was the owner and operator of Culligan from 1959 until his retirement in 2000. 

He is survived by his five children, Sheila (Joe) Dively of Charleston, IL, Mike (Cindy) Blank of Chattanooga, TN, Janet (Tom) White of Charleston, IL, Suzi (Charlie) Schuster of Charleston, IL, and Katie (Marc) Carlton of Smithton, IL; ten grandchildren, Jake and Emma Dively, Katelyn, Ellie, Matt and Nick Schuster, Spencer, Sam and Gracie White, Jack, Abby and Patrick Carlton, Josh and Heidi Blank; sisters, Jean Lee and Dee (Leland) Russell and brother Don Blank.

Jarl was preceded by his parents, wife; son, Mark Blank; granddaughter Madeline White; sisters, Joyce Dawson and Jackie Perillo.

He was a member of the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. 

Jarl was a gifted artist primarily working in watercolors.  He also loved to help others, especially with his involvement in Habitat for Humanity and Crop Walk. He enjoyed music, fishing and had an interest in politics. Above all, Jarl was family oriented and cherished the time he spent with his children and grandchildren.

Adams Funeral Chapel, Charleston, IL – June 22, 2018