William F. "Cheese" Blake

William F. “Cheese” Blake, 91, of Galesburg, died peacefully surrounded by his family at the home he and his father built at 5:35 a.m. Friday, December 17, 2021. Bill was born January 6, 1930 in Galesburg, the son of Francis Thomas and Helen Lucille (Nelson) Blake.  Bill married the love of his life, Dorothy Carol Frankiewicz on May 15, 1954 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Milwaukee, WI.  Bill is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy of Galesburg; five daughters, Mary (Mark,deceased) Brubaker of Galesburg, Debbie (Richard) Bramlett of Gladstone, MO, Cathy Morris of Galesburg, Laurie Plummer of St. Charles, IL, and Ann (Matthew Berk) Blake of Lakewood, CO; and three sons, Bob Blake of Muscatine, IA, Mike Blake of Galesburg, IL, and Andy (Sarah) Blake of Galesburg, IL.  Bill is also survived by ten grandchildren; and several great and great great grandchildren.  Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Patricia Wright and Mary Blake, R.N. Bill graduated from Corpus Christi Catholic High School and went on to a 40 year career at Maytag Mfg. retiring in 1992.  Bill and Dorothy enjoyed many years travelling throughout the US taking many bus trips.  They also spent many years travelling to Branson, MO where they enjoyed many live country and western shows.  Bill was a faithful catholic and lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Galesburg and was a member of the Lay Order of the Carmelites.  Bill enjoyed tending to his large garden and loved to give out the vegetables he raised to neighbors, friends, and family.  Bill had a large and generous heart and never met a stranger.  Bill was the world’s number one Chicago Cubs fan and was grateful to be able to see them win the World Series.  Of all the things Bill loved, taking care of his family always came first.  Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Galesburg.  Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the family is asking all in attendance to please wear proper face coverings.  The rosary will be prayed at 10 a.m. at the church and the funeral mass will follow the rosary.  Father William T. Miller will officiate.  Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Galesburg.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Costa Catholic Academy, EWTN, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.