Robert D. Blankenfeld, age 87, passed away July 3, 2018. He was born in Niobrara, Nebraska to Robert and Emma Blankenfeld. His favorite part of childhood was riding his horse, hunting, visiting with his Uncle Will Blankenfeld, and dreaming of being a cowboy. Bob graduated from Lake Andes High School in South Dakota. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1950 and was honorably discharged in 1954. After his enlistment was over he attended South Dakota State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He worked for the Corp of Engineers for 7 years, the South Dakota Department of Highways for 10 years, spent another 10 years with the Corp of Engineers and finally 12 years with the National Park Service. He retired in Colorado and later moved to Sheridan, Wyoming.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Emma, brother Richard Blankenfeld, grandson Thai Blankenfeld, 2nd wife Margaret (Peggy), and 3rd wife Christine (died July 30, 2017). He is survived by his son John (Kim) Blankenfeld of Spring, Texas; daughter Mary (Jimmy) Fechner of Custer, South Dakota; and daughter Susan Plitt of Greeley, Colorado (all are children of his first wife Betty Jo); and his grandchildren Phi (Amber) Blankenfeld and Curtis (Katherine) Fechner.

Bob loved gardening, the outdoors, hunting and fishing, horses, dancing, spending time with his grandsons Curtis, Thai, and Phi as they grew up, as well enjoying time with his wife Christine's great grandsons Daymian and Brendan.

There are no services planned at this time. His ashes, along with Christine's will be taken to the Black Hills of South Dakota where they pledged their love to each other. A portion of Bob's ashes will be taken to the big island of Hawaii to be with his grandson Thai.

Any memorials may be made in his name as gifts to the St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Shriners Children's Hospital, PO Box K, Sheridan WY 82801.

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