Robert E. "Bob" Blaney, 89, a lifelong resident of Green Bay, died Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Nov. 20, 1917, to William E. and Margaret (Hogan) Blaney. Bob married the former Mildred Ann LeBoeuf, his high school sweetheart, on Nov. 28, 1943, at St. Joseph Cathedral in Sioux Falls, S.D., where he was briefly stationed during WWII.

Bob attended St. Patrick Grade School and then was valedictorian of the June 1935 graduating class of Green Bay West High School. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees cum laude from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He further attended Columbia University and IBM school in New York. Bob began his career in education teaching at Green Bay East High and Washington Junior High schools. His teaching career was interrupted from 1942 to 1945 when he served in the Armed Forces during WWII as a radar operator and radar instructor in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He often spoke of the many dear friends and family that were lost during the war. Upon returning to civilian life, Bob served as principal of Washington Junior High School, then Administrative Assistant in the Green Bay School District Administration Offices until he was appointed Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs. Bob served as the state President of the Wisconsin Association for Educational Data Systems. The state Department of Public Instruction selected him to serve on its Accounting Review Committee, which substantially revolutionized the course of school district accounting in the state in the mid-1970's. During his career he was a member of several educational organizations. He retired in June 1981.

Bob was a life member of the Knights of Columbus Council #617, a member of the Elks Club and the American Legion Sullivan-Wallen Post #11.

Bob was well-spoken, quick witted, very well-read in many genres and especially delighted in classical literature, poetry and music. He would often, from memory, recite poetry to his wife, Millie, and his family. He would captivate family and friends with his wonderful story-telling ability. Robert was a loving husband and father, a staunch Democrat and a devout Catholic. Bob and Millie especially loved dancing and their extensive travels around the world. When Millie was stricken with a 20-year illness, Bob became her devoted caretaker. As he said in a toast on the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary, "…we have clung to each other through good times and not so good times. She is my dearest companion whose company I treasure above all others."

Robert was a member of St. Patrick Parish and a former member of St. Joseph Parish.

Robert is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Erin (James) Haanen, Green Bay; Maureen (Paul) Flietner, Hilbert; and Kathleen Blaney, Green Bay. A step-grandson, Aaron Flietner, USMC, also survives. Bob is further survived by his nieces, Barbara Stenger, Kathyrn Tobias, Mary Jo (Jon) Kolb, Kathleen (William) Schweikhardt; his nephews, William Blaney, Thomas Blaney, Michael (Mary) Blaney, John Blaney, Ken (Catherine) Blaney, James (Kathleen) Tobias, Patrick (Cathi); his brother-in-law, Eugene LeBoeuf and Eugene's children, David, Julie, Carol, Amy, and Peter.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife Mildred; his parents; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Kathleen Blaney, Margaret (Tobe) Tobias, and Bernadine (Herb) Wetzel; and by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Emmett, Walter (Sophie), William (Eileen), and John (Margaret). He was also preceded in death by a nephew, Patrick Blaney, and a sister-in-law, Lee LeBoeuf.

Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug.19. A Parish Wake Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Friends may also call at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 211 N. Maple St., from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the church with Rev. Andrew Kysley officiating. Burial will be in Allouez Catholic Cemetery. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

"Good Night, Sweet Prince. And Flights of Angels Sing Thee to Thy Rest"