University Letter

UND's faculty and staff newsletter

Remembering Blanche Shley

Blanche Schley
Blanche Schley

Blanche L. Schley, retired secretary for the School of Medicine & Health Sciences, died Saturday, December 15, 2018 in Altru Hospital. She was 93.

Blanche L. Schley, a daughter of Albert and Lillian (Bittner) Wicks, was born on April 27, 1925 at Dunseith, N.D. At a young age she moved with her family to Wahpeton where she graduated from high school. She then attended Minot State College. Blanche completed her education at Jamestown State College with a Bachelor of Science degree.

She began working for the local newspaper. Blanche moved around the state working for several newspapers within the state. In the late 1960s she moved to Grand Forks where she worked at the N.D. State Mill and Elevator. On June 5, 1970 she married Jimmie Schley in Grand Forks.

She worked as a secretary at the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences.

Blanche retired to help care for her husband, Jimmie. Jimmie passed away on August 30, 2002. Blanche continued to make Grand Forks her home.

She was an avid quilter. Blanche was a member of the North Star Quilters Guild and was the secretary for many years. She was also a member of the DAV Auxiliary and was their secretary for a time. She was a member of University Lutheran Church. Blanche and Jimmie enjoyed camping together at Lake Ashtabula for many years.

She is survived by her daughter, Louise (Danny) Rubin of Santa Fe, NM; grandchildren, Maida Rubin and Asa Tenney; a niece, Marilys Carter; and many nieces and nephews.

Blanche was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jimmie; brother, Henry Wicks; sisters, Marjorie Wicks, Gwyndolyn Couture and Gladys Leonard.

Memorials preferred to the North Star Quilt Guild P.O. Box 5814, Grand Forks, ND 58208

Arrangements are with the Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks. Friends may sign the online register at www.amundsonfuneralhome.com.