Blankenship, Robert E. 1937-2010

BLANKENSHIP, VANDER SLUIS

Posted By: Ernie Braida (email)
Date: 1/12/2010 at 11:24:18

Robert Edward Blankenship was born on May 26, 1937 in Carroll, Iowa to Bryan and Lucille Blankenship. He was one of ten children.

Robert was raised in South Dakota. He attended and graduated from Alexandria High School in Alexandria, South Dakota.

After high school, Robert worked for a short time in pipeline construction, before serving in the U.S. Army for two years. After his service Robert went back to working in pipeline construction. He worked pipeline construction his entire career, retiring as a pipeline foreman.

Robert met Carolyn Vander Sluis. On June 24, 1967 they were married at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Lovilia. Their 42-year marriage was blessed with two children and five grandchildren.

Robert passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2010 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines at the age of 72 years, eight months, and 8 days.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bryan and Lucille; and three brothers, Paul, Harold, and Marvin Blankenship.

Robert is survived by his wife, Carolyn Blankenship; two daughters, Patti and Dan Crawford and Bobbi and Travis Cram, all of Knoxville; five grandchildren, Kinsli and Kodi Cram, Olivia, Abbi, and Patrick Crawford. Robert is also survived by two brothers, Al and Richard Blankenship; and four sisters, Darlene Lauck, Thelma Hofer, Judy Thompson, and Doris Grady.

Winfield Funeral Homes Jan. 2010