Ricky “Rick” Jay Blanshan was born on July 25, 1952, in Mahnomen, Minnesota to Lester and Bernice (Stieglemeyer) Blanshan.  The family moved to Windom when Rick was 2 years old.  He graduated from Windom High School and went to college in Jackson, MN for Auto Mechanics.  Rick’s true passion was playing music with his bands and entertaining the audience, but also worked as an auto mechanic, for a home improvement company as a carpenter, managed a car wash, to managing a driving range, with his main focus always on the music.

On March 8, 1981, Rick was united in marriage to Trudy Lang in New Ulm, MN.  Rick changed his career path by attending Brown Institute in Minneapolis and graduating with a Radio Broadcasting degree in 1982. His first radio job was with KMHL in Marshall, MN.  In 1985, the family moved to Alexandria where Rick was key in implementing the start of KIKV (KIK FM). He was loved by many as the voice of “Rick and the Morning Crew.” After a long and successful radio career, Rick retired in July of 2017.

Rick loved music and shared his talent in different bands by playing the drums, guitar, and bass.  He was an avid sportsman and loved hunting, fishing, and anything outdoors. 

Rick died on April 20, 2022, at Alomere Health at the age of 69.  He is survived by his wife, Trudy of Alexandria; son, Jessen (Angie) Blanshan of Windom; daughter, Katy Blanshan of St. Cloud; granddaughter, Astaria Blanshan; great-grandchildren, Willard Blanshan and Quinton Wenisch.  Rick is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Bernice.

A Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 PM on Sunday, April 24, 2022, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.