He was born Jan. 21, 1931, in Niles, Mich., to Wayne B. and Elizabeth M. (Papai) Blankenbaker. On Sept. 30, 1967, in Elkhart, he married Pamela A. (Martin) Stutzman.

She survives, along with five sons, Jack (April) Blankenbaker of Goshen, Todd (Kay) and Scott (Mary) Stutzman, both of Elkhart, and Michael (Chris) and Steven (Carole) Blankenbaker, both of South Bend; one daughter, Michelle (Joseph) Vittori of Los Angeles; 15 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Joan (Jim) Brown of Niles and Karen Pilarski of South Bend.

Friends may call from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday and one hour prior to the 11 a.m. Monday funeral service, all at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Pastor Catherine Koziatek of New Salem United Methodist Church will officiate and military honors will be conducted at the funeral home by DAV Chapter 19 and the Marine Corps burial honor detail following the service. Cremation will follow services.

Mr. Blankenbaker was a tool and die maker at Vincent Bach, where he made many friends, for more than 30 years. He formerly worked at the Studebaker Corp. and Wheel Horse in South Bend. He was a 1949 graduate of Clay High School in South Bend and joined the U.S. Marines shortly thereafter, serving from 1949 to 1951 in Korea, where he earned a Purple Heart.

Mr. Blankenbaker was a member of New Salem United Methodist Church and was an avid fisherman and Indiana University basketball fan. He was a devoted father, grandfather and husband.

Memorials may be given to the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637 or New Salem UMC, 52173 Ash Road, Granger, IN 46530. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.billingsfuneralhome.com.