Blanch Rosina Mathilda (Messenbrink) Crowell, the sixth born and last surviving child of fourteen born to Fred C. and Bertha (Jahn) Messenbrink, was born April 20, 1909 at Boyer, Iowa. She was baptized May 16, 1909 at Savior Lutheran Church in Stockholm Twp. Iowa. In 1911, her family moved to Milford, Iowa and in 1913 they then moved to Amo Township in Cottonwood County, Minnesota. Blanch received her education in rural District 49 in Amo Township, completing eight grades. Blanch was confirmed in 1923 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Jeffers, MN. In 1926, Blanch moved with her parents into Windom. She soon became employed at Vera?s Artcraft in Windom as a seamstress and sales clerk. At this time, she met Lincoln M. (Abe) Crowell and on December 26, 1935 they were united in marriage at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Windom, MN. To this union four children were born: Earl, Paul, Leon and Etta. They lived on and farmed the Crowell farm in Great Bend Township until 1938 when they bought a farm in Dale Township. They lived and farmed there until 1951 when they purchased the Crowell farm in Great Bend Township and returned there. In June, 1976 Lincoln passed away. Blanch continued living on the farm until 1993 when she moved into Hillside Manor in Windom. In about 2005, she began having health issues associated with aging. In October of 2007, she became a resident of Mikkelsen Manor in Windom. On February 28, 2008, she entered Windom Area Hospital and on March 4, 2008 she was transferred to Sogge Memorial Home in Windom. It was there that she passed away on May 1, 2008, having reached the age of 99 years and 11 days. Lincoln and Blanch were able to spend several winters Weslaco, Texas. After Lincoln?s death, she continued to winter in Weslaco until she moved into Windom. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Windom, belonging to the Friendship Circle and Friendly Fellowship and taught Sunday School. She also was an adult leader in 4-H, member of Dale Home Society, Great Bend Ladies Aid, Senior Citizens Society and County Line Extension Group. She enjoyed working in her large vegetable garden and flower gardens on the farm. Keeping a neat farmstead was of great importance to her. Baking and sewing were great pass times for her. She sewed her own dress for two great-granddaughters? weddings in 2006 and most recently completed several lap robes for family members in 2008. Another great joy for her was her family and grandchildren. Surviving her are her three sons; Earl (Vonette) Crowell and Paul (Donna) Crowell of Jeffers, MN, Leon (Julie) Crowell of Windom, MN ; one daughter, Etta (Gary) Mather of Eagan, MN; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Doris (Walter) Messenbrink of Lake Lillian, MN; and a host of nieces and nephews as well as other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Lincoln; 11 brothers and 2 sisters, George, Alfred, Arthur, Julius, Levi, Gladys (Paul) Hanson, Walter, infant Clarence, infant twins, Ralph and Raymond, Grant, Mabel (Howard) Horkey, and her infant twin, Melvin. She was also preceded in death by one grandchild and one great grandchild. We cherish the memories of Blanch.