Gary Blattner

Gary Lee Blattner, 79, of Columbus, Ohio, was born November 2, 1942, in Grand Island, Nebraska to the late Albert R. and Marie E. (Pry) Blattner, and died peacefully at his residence on Thursday, February 10th.

He was a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries.  He worked for Nationwide Insurance at their corporate headquarters in Columbus, Ohio.

He was a Life Master in the American Contract Bridge League and was a member of the Columbus Bridge Center.  He was an enthusiast of the arts, with a passion for plays, concerts and museums. He was a member of the Columbus Museum of Art.  Being an avid sports fan, he was an original season ticket holder of the Columbus Blue Jackets NHL team.  His other hobbies included golf, chess, backgammon and cribbage.  He also enjoyed traveling with his family and friends.

He grew up in Grand Island and was married for 15 years to his high school sweetheart, the late Evelyn Blattner.  He was the first in his family to attend college and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics at the University of Nebraska.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, John and Kim Blattner of Nacogdoches, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Jodie and Mike Journeycake of Mendham, New Jersey; a sister, Sherry Klapal of Aurora, Nebraska; and five grandchildren, Megan Blattner, Alyssa Blattner, both of Nacogdoches, Jessica Journeycake of Boston, Jasen Journeycake of Laguna Nigel, California, and Jack Journeycake of Mendham, New Jersey; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and great friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents; and brothers, Jared D. Blattner, Larry D. Blattner, Terry R. Blattner. He was loved and will be greatly missed.

Tribute donations in honor of his name can be made to Columbus Museum of Art, 480 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio, or online at www.columbusmuseum.org .