LARRY BLANKENSHIP

Lawerence Ernest Blankenship, son of Sherman and Phoebe (Woerner) Blankenship, was born April 12, 1962, in Des Moines. He graduated from Waterloo High School in 1980. Larry attended UNI and University of Iowa and received his associates degree from NEC. He was united in marriage on June 6, 1987, to Angela Wood. To this union Adam and Jonathon were born. The couple later divorced. On August 28, 1999, Larry was united in marriage to Anne Marie Sundberg at Trinity Lutheran Church in Webster City. To this union, Daniel was born. Larry was a business analyst and IT professional for most of his career, working as a contractor for businesses all over the Midwest. Most recently, Larry worked for Xpanxion Software of Ames. Larry was a mentor and problem-solver, helping many with advice for career and life with a sympathetic ear. Over 2,000 LinkedIn followers will miss his sage and humorous commentary.

Larry loved a good joke — and the punnier the better in his book. He delighted in sharing his favorite “Dad Jokes.” His unique sense of humor and hearty laugh were special to all who knew him.

Professionally, Larry was a life-long learner, pursuing many avenues to continuously improve himself on the job. He earned several certifications to grow as an IT practitioner. He loved to share his perspective on issues of the day with friends through his favorite social media forums. He was quick to defend and educate others on various political and social issues. He loved to literally put pen to paper with his extensive collection of fountain pens. He delighted in sharing his knowledge and ink with any and all who would listen. Larry was a wordsmith with an extensive vocabulary and whimsical wordplay. He wrote poetry and recently published a book of limericks. The pandemic gave him the time to begin working on his first novel.

His Saturday nights were devoted to his longtime group of Dungeons and Dragons friends. He led the party on many a quest as Dungeon Master. He passed that love of adventure on to his sons. Love of theater runs in the Blankenship family and Larry was no exception. He trod the boards as an actor and took a turn in the director’s chair as well. His greatest role was a devoted audience member, clapping and supporting others onstage.

He had many hobbies and pastimes, including fishing, classic arcade games and board games. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Anne; his children, Adam Blankenship (Jessica) of St. Louis, MO, Jonathon Blankenship of Cedar Rapids, Daniel Blankenship of Vermillion, SD; grandchildren, Ariel, Eric and Elijah; mother, Phoebe Blankenship of St. Peters, MO; sisters, Ruth (Brad) Jamison of St. Peters, MO, Margaret (Tim) Lake of Sturgeon, MO; nieces, Ellise Patton and Samantha Lake; nephew, Christopher Lake and brother-in-law, Stephen (Bonnie) Sundberg of Dover, DE.; an uncle Dennis (Carolyn) Blankenship, several cousins and his beloved fur children, Buster, Barney and Teddy.

Larry was preceded in death by his father, Sherman Blankenship; in-laws, Merrill and Pauline Sundberg, aunt and uncle Sharon and Bud Roggeman, and sister-in-law, Sally Cartwright.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Webster City Community Theater, Toastmasters and Progressive Minds of Iowa. Whether in personal life or business, he constantly strived to be a better person, father, grandfather, brother, son, and husband. We cherish his life and his love. He will be sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.