Ralph Blankenbeker

Ralph Blankenbeker, 74, of rural Martinsville, IL, died at 2:00 a.m. on December 25, 2016 in the comfort of his home. He was born December 21, 1942 the son of Kenneth & Cora (Chapman) Blankenbeker, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, James Blankenbeker. He is survived by his sons, Alex Blankenbeker (Martinsville, IL) and Chris & Dawn Blankenbeker (Martinsville, IL); by his daughter, Teresa & Rob Reynolds (Martinsville, IL); by five grandchildren, Cheyenne & Todd Fancil (Porterville, IL), Eli Blankenbeker (Martinsville, IL), Taylor Reynolds (Martinsville, IL), Tyler Reynolds (Martinsville, IL), and Kailee Blankenbeker (Martinsville, IL); by his brother, Winfred & Norma Blankenbeker (Willow Hill, IL); by his sisters, Leota Smitley (Robinson, IL) and Marilyn Parcel (Morton, IL); as well as several nieces and nephews. Ralph was a 1961 graduate of Martinsville High School. He went on to serve his country in the U.S. National Guard. He was a lifelong farmer and became a self-taught carpenter later on in life. When he wasn’t woodworking, he stayed busy running his flea market. Ralph was a longtime and dedicated member of the Willow Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Family and friends will long miss his fun-loving attitude and wonderful sense of humor. A time of visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 29th at the Willow Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church (rural Martinsville, IL). Funeral services will follow and will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor Kevin Small officiating the service. Burial will follow in the Butternut Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Willow Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church, with envelopes available at the church. The Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union, IL is in charge of arrangements.