Jack L. Blankenbeker, 95, of Robinson, IL, passed away on March 28, 2025, at Robinson Rehab and Nursing.
Born on July 25, 1929, in Flat Rock, IL, Jack cut his teeth on the dirt roads of Crawford County before heading north to Chicago, where he worked at Givens Winstead Service. Soon after, duty called, and he spent three and a half years in Korea with the U.S. Army. He was discharged in April of 1952 and wasted no time making that year one for the books—he earned his high school diploma, found Jesus, and set his sights on Vera Highsmith, who became his bride the following spring.
Jack soon went to work for Marathon Oil in the powerhouse, where he spent the next 35 years before retiring as powerhouse foreman. His commitment and work ethic were admirable, but anyone who really knew Jack knew that titles weren’t what mattered to him. He found his greatest joy in people—specifically, pestering them (in good fun, of course!). He’d strike up conversations with anyone—and if no one was around, a tree stump would do just fine. He wasn’t much for listening, mind you, but he sure could fill the air with his one-of-a-kind, ornery charm.
He loved being around kids, and they gravitated toward him like moths to a porch light. His heart for youth surely played a role in his many years coaching and umpiring girls’ Little League softball. He also enjoyed bowling, golfing, and flying the friendly skies with his private pilot’s license. For a guy with as many vehicular mishaps as Jack, it’s a miracle they let him fly at all! There was the time he forgot to set the brake on his station wagon while loading up his boat and ended up with a knot on his head and a car that had to be fished out of the water. Or the time he miscounted the seven hills between the Highsmith farm and Route 1 and rocketed his dad’s new car into a guy wire. Let’s just say—no one wanted to ride with him, but he always had a story to tell when he (eventually) got there! His exploits were legendary. On one coon hunting trip with his buddies, Jack ended up upside-down in barbed wire. As they laughed at him, he pulled out his gun and deadpanned, “Next one to laugh dies!”
But beneath the antics was a heart of deep faith. After coming to Christ in 1952, Jack became a pillar at Highland Avenue Baptist Church. He served as treasurer for 40 years, taught adult Sunday School, and even served as a deacon for a time. But what really lit him up was loving on the little ones. If there were kids at church, you could bet Jack was giving them rides on Vera’s scooter—laughing the whole time while Vera was left carrying whatever they needed for the day. It was pure Jack: part mischief, part generosity, and all heart.
It’s hard to imagine the world without Jack in it—but thankfully, he knew the One who conquered death, and he staked his life on that blessed assurance over 70 years ago. And so, we’ll see him again. Maybe not in slacks mowing the yard or behind the wheel (thankfully)—but in a Kingdom where every tear is wiped away, and everything sad comes untrue. Until then, we’ll tell the stories, laugh at the memories, and hold fast to our hope in the One Jack now knows face to face.
Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years, Vera (Highsmith) Blankenbeker; by his parents, Pete & Edna (Wolverton) Blankenbeker; and by his siblings: Bob, Bill, Ellen, Hildra, Jeannette, and Benny. He is survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sharon & Fred Nieman; as well as several nieces and nephews who will carry his stories and spirit forward for as long as they have the breath to speak his name.
A time of visitation will be held from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 3rd at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson, with a celebration of Jack’s life beginning at 1:00 p.m. The service will be officiated by Celebrant Curt Goodwine and streamed live at: www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream.
Burial will follow in Robinson New Cemetery, where military honors will be presented by the U.S. Army. Memorials may be made to “Highland Avenue Baptist Church”. For more information, or to share a memory or condolence online, please visit www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com.
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