Jeanne Blake

Jeanne Louise Fahey Blake passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of intelligence, compassion, service, and friendship that touched countless lives.

Jeanne was born on October 6, 1948, in Seattle, Washington to Phyllis and Eugene "Gene" Fahey. In 1949, the family moved to St. Cloud, Minnesota, where her father attended St. John's University. The family later settled in Fergus Falls, where Jeanne spent most of her childhood and formative years.

She attended Claire Ann Shover Preschool, Fergus Falls Public School through the second grade, and then Our Lady of Victory School through the eighth grade. Even as a young girl, Jeanne demonstrated remarkable talent and dedication. During her seventh and eighth grade years, she played the organ for the Catholic church in Pelican Rapids, sharing her musical gifts with the community.

Jeanne attended St. Benedict's High School for two years before graduating with honors from Fergus Falls High School. Her academic excellence continued at the University of Minnesota, where she distinguished herself in the sciences. Although she was offered a place in medical school, Jeanne chose to pursue her passion for research and became a biochemist.

Early in her career, Jeanne worked with renowned chemist Dr. Rufus Lumry, whose mentorship helped shape her professional path. She later became a biochemist at the University of Minnesota and went on to work for 3M. Never content to follow only traditional paths, Jeanne eventually helped found a company, demonstrating both her scientific expertise and entrepreneurial spirit.

While her professional accomplishments were impressive, Jeanne's greatest impact may have been through her humanitarian work. As large numbers of Hmong families arrived in the Twin Cities under church sponsorship programs, Jeanne volunteered her time and talents to assist them in building new lives in Minnesota. Her dedication went far beyond simple volunteerism. She immersed herself in the culture and learned to speak all three major Hmong dialects, enabling her to communicate directly and meaningfully with those she served.

Through this work, Jeanne formed a close professional and personal relationship with Dr. Yung Dao, one of the first Hmong individuals to earn a Ph.D. Together, they established another company dedicated to cultural education and community support. Jeanne was also sent to Thailand, where she worked with Hmong refugees awaiting resettlement in the United States, helping them for their new lives and ensuring a smoother transition.

Jeanne and Dr. Yung Dao further expanded their efforts by teaching basic Hmong language and cultural understanding to firefighters, police officers, teachers, and other public servants throughout Minnesota. Their work helped bridge cultural divides and strengthened relationships between Hmong families and the communities welcoming them.

The love and respect Jeanne earned within the Hmong community was profound. She was given the Hmong name Chame Ta and was embraced as a member of many Hmong families. Her kindness, patience, and unwavering commitment helped countless individuals and families establish roots, find opportunities, and feel at home in Minnesota.

Jeanne lived a life defined by curiosity, courage, and service to others. Whether in the laboratory, the classroom, the boardroom, or the community, she approached every endeavor with intelligence, humility, and compassion. She leaves behind a lasting legacy not only through her professional achievements but also through the many lives she enriched and the bridges she built between cultures.

Jeanne will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and the many members of the Hmong community who considered her one of their own.

Graveside Service: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at St. Otto Catholic Cemetery in Fergus Falls, MN.

Clergy: Chaplain David Strom

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com