He taught World History at Wet High School when I was a senior. We all loved him. He was a great teacher and could make it interesting to teenagers!
Sue Crver
August 11, 2026
Bill continued his legacy to education by supervising UNI student teachers. He not only mentored the student teachers, but provided guidance for their supervising teachers. Bill honored the profession with his common sense, love of education and intention to “grow” excellent teachers. I loved his positive attitude, sense of humor and wisdom.
RIP Bill Blake and may your family’s memories and pride give you comfort in their loss.
Mary Loomer
August 10, 2026
All were blessed who interacted with Mr Blake. He was teacher of many things but mostly he inspired the joy of learning and embraced the curious and questioning minds of so many young students. He knew himself and he knew his calling was to guide young minds. We all were made better by being in his orbit , for even a short time.
Mr Blake, Thank you for making a difference in so many lives.
John Bowlsby
August 10, 2026
Mr.Blake was my adjunct World Geography teacher at UNI. He was knowledgeable and so kind. He encouraged all of his students to. I remember one test he was handing back. I missed one question keeping me from a perfect test. He was truly saddened by my near miss. This class was many, many years ago but I still remember him. Prayers for God’s strength and comfort for his family.
Joyce Barbatti
August 9, 2026
My most sincere condolences to the family.Mr Blake was my favorite teacher at West.He had that unique ability to open a young persons mind and get you to think,reason,and most of all,learn.He wanted the absolute best for all of his students.His humanities class that he team taught with several other teachers was a preview of an upper level university class.The geography classes were some of my favorites.Anyone at West that didnt have Mr Blake for a class really missed out.Rest easy sir.Greg Bergeson ,West class of 74,student of Mr Blake
greg bergeson
August 9, 2026
Dear Nancy, Eric, and Barbi - Please accept my very sincere sympathy on the passing of your husband and father. Mr. Blake was one of my favorite teachers ever! I often said he taught not for the moment but for the lifetime. I remember his telling historical stories without notes and a classroom full of teenagers hanging on his every word! He tapped a pencil on a metal plate while telling us about Pearl Harbor, just as the men did in the USS Arizona. Later, I reconnected with Bill and Nancy when they lived at Landmark Commons. Bill gave me a copy of each of his two books he wrote and I cherish them! I was amazed by his intricate woodcarvings. But most of all, I was amazed by him. Mr. Blake was a teacher, a coach, a mentor, a scholar, a family man, an outdoorsman, and my friend. I will remember him with admiration! Although our world grew a little darker with his passing, I know Heaven is much brighter with his arrival!
Diann Schlindwein Droste
August 8, 2026
Mr. Blake was my history teacher at West High School. He was one of the greatest teachers I ever had, and I aspire to be like him with my students. I'll always remember sneezing in his class, and he would stop mid lecture and count sneezes with the students, as I sneezed at least 10 times at once! I also saw him later in life and reminisced about the old days! Great memories. Susan Aries Jolly class of 1968.
Susan Aries Jolly
August 8, 2026
Mr Blake was my teacher at West and I graduated in 1968. He was so handsome and nice, and I think I even remember his light green shirt and darker jacket that first day in his class. I will always remember his comment that first day that we will hear more propaganda from our own country than any other. That stuck with me and allowed me to question and become a critical thinker. I later saw him when I was back in Iowa visiting my mom at Liberty Manor on Kent streets. He made an indelible impression on many of his students. May he rest in paradise.
Jane Morris Annett
August 8, 2026