Blanche Mae Eilken

Blanche M. Eilken, 90, of Chicago, IL, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2020. She was the beloved wife of 69 years to her high school sweetheart, the late Harvey Eilken.

Blanche was born in Cincinnati, OH, later moving to the northwest side of Chicago, where she graduated from Resurrection High School as a member and captain of numerous clubs and sports. She retired from her career as a bookkeeper for the Village of Harwood Heights, where she enjoyed a career of nearly 30 years.

Blanche and Harvey were active members of the IL. Chapter of the Model A Restorers Ford Club for over 50 years. They traveled the world after retirement and explored the U.S. together in their green 1931 Model A Coupe.

Blanche spent her final days at her lakeside home in Bull Shoals, AR, where she continued making new friends and spreading love and laughter.

Blanche was the loving mother to her two daughters, Linda Seiwert and Debra Van Name, proud mother-in-law to Michael Seiwert and Paul Van Name, and cherished grandmother to her grandson Michael Seiwert and granddaughter Veronica Van Name, all of whom loved her with all their hearts.

Blanche was the daughter of the late George Size and Veronica Bachtrup, and beloved sister to her siblings Joan Camp (Size), Dr. William Size and his wife Linda Size. Blanche also leaves countless loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Blanche truly brought a light into every room she walked into, loving nothing more than making everyone around her laugh.

Due to restrictions in place because of COVID-19, the memorial service for Blanche will be private. A public memorial available to her many lifelong friends and extended family is being planned for 2021.