Fabian Blanchard Verzwyvelt, 73, a resident of LaPlace, entered eternal life on May 5, 2012.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Delores, his parents, Fabian and Eva Verzwyvelt, and one brother, Richard Verzwyvelt.

He is survived by two sisters, Sister Margaret Ann Verzwyvelt and Joyce Verzwyvelt Dekeyzer, and two brothers, George Verzwyvelt and Carl Verzwyvelt.

He graduated from Menarad High School in Alexandria and then joined the Marine Corps. Upon returning to civilian life he was employed by Boyce Machinery Co., where he worked until his retirement after 42 years.

As a teen, he was very active in the 4-H club and helped his dad on the farm. Blanchard loved to garden, and even though his garden was very small, he loved sharing the vegetables with friends and neighbors.

He was a member of and an usher at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in LaPlace.

Blanchard willed his body to Science Medical Research.

There are two memorial masses scheduled. The first will be held at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in LaPlace on May 19 at 11 a.m. The second will be at St. Rita Catholic Church in  Alexandria on June 9 at 10 a.m.