Bill Blankenbaker

Bill D. Blankenbaker, 85, of Portland, formerly of Dunkirk, Indiana, passed away Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017, while in the company of family members at Jay County Hospital, Portland, Indiana.

Bill was born in Pennville, Indiana, on July 28, 1932, a son of the late Connie J. (Fenton) and Othello B. Blankenbaker.

Bill was a 1950 graduate of Dunkirk High School and served in the U.S. Navy. He was the proud husband of Marilynn Joyce (Storck) Blankenbaker, who he happily married on Nov. 11, 1951, celebrating over 66 years of marriage.

He was a former meat cutter for Ludwig's Grocery in Dunkirk, Indiana,  a licensed watch maker and owner and operator of Gaunt's Jewelry Store in Dunkirk, Indiana.

Bill was a member of AMA, Lion’s Club, Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department, Jay County Sheriff's Office Merit Board, Dunkirk City Council, Dunkirk I.O.O.F. Cemetery Board and Watchmakers Association.

Bill enjoyed flying his model planes over the years. His love for his community and wanting to be involved and help in any way he could will never be forgotten.

Bill is survived by his lovely wife Marilynn; two sons, Doug W. Blankenbaker (wife: Stacy) of Portland, Indiana, and John W. Blankenbaker (wife: Jackie) of Albany, Indiana; one brother, Barney J. Blankenbaker of Pennville, Indiana; one cousin, Vickie Tague (husband: Charlie) of Portland, Indiana; three grandchildren, Brok Wilburn (wife: Jessica), Lauren Felts (husband: Erik) and Even Blankenbaker; and three great-grandchildren, Madison Wilburn, Max Wilburn and Brynn Felts.

Friends are invited to call Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, from 4 to 8 p.m. at MJS Mortuaries – Dunkirk Chapel.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, at 2 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Fr. Dave Newton officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at the family's convenience.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Dunkirk Foundation or Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Dept. Arrangements have been entrusted to MJS Mortuaries – Dunkirk Chapel.