Dr. Jerry D. Blanchard

Dr. Jerry D. Blanchard, 83, of Grafton, ND, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Lutheran Sunset Home, leaving behind a lifetime of service to his family, patients, profession, and community.

Jerry Blanchard was born July 24, 1943 in Grafton, ND, the son of the late Harold B. and Ann (Egeland) Blanchard. He grew up and attended school there, graduating from Grafton High School in 1961. After attending the University of North Dakota for two years, he transferred to National Chiropractic College in Lombard, Illinois, where he earned his chiropractic degree. He was united in marriage to Karen Finger on January 10, 1966 in Enderlin, ND. The couple made their home in Illinois for one year while Jerry was finishing school. Returning to Grafton, Jerry joined his father at Blanchard Chiropractic Clinic. He assumed ownership of the practice in 1971, and in 1994 was proud to welcome his son Darren to join him. After caring for generations of patients for nearly five decades, he retired in April 2015. In May of 2026, he moved into the Lutheran Sunset Home.

Jerry was a leader and deeply involved in his profession, his community, and the activities he loved. As a chiropractor, he was a lifetime member and Past President of the North Dakota Chiropractic Association. He was appointed to the North Dakota Board of Chiropractic Examiners for 10 years before spending 13 years as Executive Director, and also serving 12 years on the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Beyond his career, Jerry believed in giving back to his community. He was a member of Grafton Lutheran Church, a Past President of both the Grafton Jaycees and Grafton Lions, and served as Executive Vice-President of the ND Jaycees. He was also a member of Crescent Lodge #11 and served on both the Unity Hospital Board and the Valley Ambulance Advisory Committee. When he wasn’t serving others, Jerry enjoyed trapshooting at the Walsh County Gun Club where he also served as secretary for many years. He loved gathering around the table for a game of bridge and many other card games. Most of all, Jerry enjoyed hunting and he looked forward to duck and deer hunting with his sons and grandchildren every season. He was active with Ducks Unlimited where he served as the local organizer and State Chairman.

His most cherished role was that of husband, father, and grandpa. Jerry is survived by his wife Karen, Grafton, ND; children: Jeff (Dori) Blanchard and Lisa Blanchard, both of Grafton, ND; daughter-in-law Tiffany Blanchard, Winnipeg, MB; grandchildren: Melissa (Kevin) Hopke, Cory (Mel) Blanchard, Tristan (Ali) Kozak, Hayden Kozak, Dacotah Blanchard and Joshua Blanchard; great grandchildren: Dani, Karla, Eldon, Julie, Elliot, Owen, and Archer; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son Darren; brother Harold (Nancy) Blanchard; sisters: Maryann (Paul) Kennedy and Shirley Colgrove.

A memorial service will be Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Grafton Lutheran Church of Grafton, ND. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:00 at the church. Inurnment will be at the Crescent Masonic Cemetery of Grafton, ND. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Grafton Lutheran Church or the Lutheran Sunset Home. The service will be livestreamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home website.