Herman Blankenstein

Herman Blankenstein, age 89, of Bellmead, passed away late Wednesday afternoon, August 3, 2005 at a Waco nursing home. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Gerald, with Rev. Stephanie Spencer and Rev. Gene Kotrla officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Mr. Blankenstein was born May 9, 1916 in Gerald, the son of Paul and Anna (Kreder) Blankenstein. He grew up and attended school in Gerald. Herman served his country with the United States Army as a mechanic for the 1st Armored Division during World War II. He married Aileen Dozier on September 15, 1939 in Lonoke, Arkansas and she preceded him in death on Feb. 16, 1972. He then married Laura Koester on March 30, 1973 in Arlington and she preceded him in death on Dec 19, 1993. He then married Irene Otto on October 25, 1997 in Bellmead. Herman was a mechanic for Bird-Kultgen Ford in Waco for over 30 years before retiring in 1978. He was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Gerald. Herman enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing dominoes, gardening, and raising cattle. A daughter, Ethel Ann Blankenstein; and three sisters, Rose Marie Blankenstein, Margaret Nix and Lucille Petty; also preceded him in death. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Irene Blankenstein of Bellmead; two sons, Herman H, Blankenstein Jr. and wife Dianne of Ft. Worth and Robert Blankenstein and wife Rebecca of Waco; a daughter, Letha Hannon and husband Bob of South Carolina; two brothers, Paul Blankenstein of Waco and Harvey Blankenstein of Longview; seven grandchildren, Rusty, Michelle, Robert, Brian, Brenda, Sarah, and Jamie; five great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Pallbearers are Gary Kreder, Alvin Kreder Jr., Larry Montgomery, Frank Lemanske. Memorials may be made to St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Gerald.