Blanche Frances Newlin, 95, of Northfield, Minnesota, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully and pain free on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at Three Links Care Center in Northfield with her daughter, Susan, by her side.

Blanche loved Austin, where she was born on March 9, 1923, to Joseph and Frances (Drabek) Kraft, and continued to make her life there for over 90 years. The last four years she resided in Northfield in an assisted care facility where she could be close to her daughter. Blanche was a 1942 graduate of Austin High School and upon graduation began working at the Hormel Meat Packing Plant, where she worked on the factory line for 40 years and made many dear friends. On March 31, 1956, Blanche married the love of her life, John Griffith Newlin, in Anamosa, Iowa. Together they enjoyed traveling, gardening, dining and dancing. They were devoted members of the First United Methodist Church in Austin. The highlight of their later years was regular coffee outings with Blanche’s sister, Mildred, and her husband, Clestine Johnson.

Blanche is survived by her daughter, Susan (Steven) Newlin Sanderson of Northfield; two grandsons, Paul Newlin Sanderson and Daniel (Jasmin) Newlin Sanderson, both of Lake Tahoe, Nevada; great-grandson, Steven, of Lake Tahoe; brother-in-law, Clestine Johnson; and special nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; sister Mildred; and infant son, Randy.

A celebration of Blanche’s life will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 18, at the Three Links Care Center in Northfield. There will be a graveside service for Blanche held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 19, 2018, at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin. Memorials in Blanche’s memory may be directed to the First United Methodist Church (Hospitality and Caring Ministries) in Austin or recipient of donor’s choice.  Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.