Former colleagues say Kenneth “KO” O. Blanchard climbed the ranks of the La Crosse Tribune with patience, kindness and dedication.
Blanchard started working at the Tribune as a sportswriter just after graduating from Central High School in 1945. He later became sports editor, makeup editor, news editor, managing editor and executive editor, before serving as publisher from 1973 until his retirement in January 1988. He passed away March 6, 2009, at age 81.
Blanchard cared about the La Crosse community, serving on many boards. He played a key role in a project in which 30,000 trees were planted (and watered) to replace elm trees wiped out by disease. He was also an influential supporter of plans to build the La Crosse Center.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanne, of La Crosse and four children.
