YORKTOWN, INDIANA - Charles Howard Blankenbaker, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and a rabid lifelong Michigan Wolverines fan, passed away peacefully at his home on September 20, 2026, at the age of 94.

Charles was born May 26, 1932, at Ball Hospital in Muncie, Indiana, to Kenneth and Ida Pauline (Hunt) Blankenbaker. He was the eldest of nine children and grew up with a strong sense of family, responsibility, and service.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Charles served from 1950 to 1954. His unit was attached to the 82nd Airborne Division, an experience that remained an important part of his life and identity.

On March 4th, 1961, Charles married Janice Schlenker, beginning a marriage that lasted 65 years. Together they built a life centered around family, hard work, and the many people they welcomed into their lives with lots of laughter and fun.

Charles was a hardworking man who split his working career between Jackson, Michigan at Clark Equipment and Muncie, Indiana at BorgWarner. He retired four times; once from Brinks, then Walmart, then LabCorp and his final retirement, at the age of 90, from Rural King.

He was known for his practical nature, his unending wit, his willingness to work hard, and his dedication to providing for his family.

Charles is survived by his wife, Janice; his sons, Dennis (Amy), Daniel (Kat), and Douglas (Lisa); his grandchildren, Sidney (Josh) Short, Alex Blankenbaker, Jake Blankenbaker, Jessie Blankenbaker, Kristen (Sam) Noel, Brandi (Matthew) Harrold, Baylee Blankenbaker, Shelbi Freemont; his great-grandchildren, Riley, Charlotte, Weston, and Taliesin, as well as Ronin and Arthur. He is also survived by his sister, Sande Singer of Tavares, Florida; his brother-in-law, Larry Schlenker, along with numerous extended family members and friends who will remember him fondly.

He was preceded in death by many beloved family members and friends who had gone before him including his son, David James Blankenbaker; granddaughter, Lillian Kay Blankenbaker; great-granddaughter, Genevieve Harrold, and his in-laws, James and Jeane Schlenker.

He lived a long life, served his country, loved one woman for 65 years, raised a family, welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and never lost his enthusiasm for his Wolverines. Charles leaves behind more than a family tree. He leaves generations of people who know his stories, his work ethic, his humor, his loyalty, and his love for his family. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

GO BLUE!

Visitation will be on Friday, September 25th at Yorktown Church of the Nazarene, 9001 W. Arch Street, Yorktown, Indiana 47396 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM.

Visitation will also be on Saturday, September 26th in the chapel at Roseland Memorial Gardens, Jackson, Michigan from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, with a graveside service immediately following with full military honors, officiated by his family.

Instead of sending flowers, the family kindly asks that consider making a donation be made to Little Bloomers, 9001 W. Arch St., Yorktown, IN 47396. Little Bloomers is a ministry of the Yorktown Church of the Nazarene, where Charles was a faithful member for 35 years. However, if you do send flowers, please arrange for their delivery to the church on Friday between 4:30 – 6:30 PM. For additional information and to view Charles’ online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.


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