Carl Blanz

A Feast of a Man Carl Blanz passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Carl is remembered as a courageous and creative soul who passionately impacted the lives of others through his business, Growing Edge Facilitation, his volunteerism with food shelves and formerly incarcerated persons, and his relationships with friends and family. Carl was a healer, a visionary, and a human being who cared deeply about relationships. Carl walked in love and saw worthiness in everybody. Born in Chicago on May 19, 1962, and raised in New Hope, MN, Carl was a renowned chef who worked around the world, was active in the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and was an accomplished musician. Influenced by Will Stockton and Patrick O’Brien, Carl changed careers to discover his soul’s path of helping businesses and individuals reveal their potential. Carl is survived by Erin Skahen Metoxen, the love of his life. Together they forged a home of joy and acceptance, where anybody who walked through their door was included and inspired by their love. Carl’s family was enormous and beyond blood. He is also survived by his beloved daughters Alison Smith (Tony) and Maddie Blanz (Alex Kokotas), as well as Axel Metoxen and Hana Beyer (Adam). A selfless and passionate mentor, he extended his heart and parental guidance to Tony Smith and Alesha Wilson, embracing them as his own. He is also survived by his sisters Stephanie Etzel (Jeff), Paula Blanz, Bobby Blanz (Jay Silverness), and his nieces Sierra Sager (Tom), Shana Blanz (Nuru Ba’th), Izzi Shaw, Bridget Blanz, and Stephanie Riggs (Brian Cook). Carl’s grandchildren include Rafael, Avery, Azrah, Antjerra, Izsaiah, DeShaun, Shalencea, and Ayda. Carl was deeply involved with his great-grandnephews Hendrix and Miles, as well as Vincent and Matilda. Carl had remarkable long-term friendships with Deb (Maddie), Patrick, Diana, Lee, and, of course, Tom Haugen. Carl also found love and laughter with his extended Skahen family. Carl joins his teachers: father, Bill Blanz; mother, Arlynn Hennes Blanz; and fearless nephew, Willy Shaw. Please join us for Carl’s Celebration of Life on Friday, September 4th, at McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center, 13550 Dakota Avenue South, Savage, MN. Visitation at 10 am, Celebration of Life at 11 am, lunch and open house to follow, ending at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Open Door Pantry (https://facebook.com/theopendoormn). Carl was casual. Come as you are.

Carl Blanz

May 19, 1962 - August 29, 2026