Robert "Bob" J. Blankemeyer

Robert (Bob) is only child born to Elizabeth (nee Ernst) Blankemeyer and Joseph Blankemeyer. Although after his mother died shortly child birth, his aunt raised him as one of her own children. Bob praised and loved Aunt Catherine and Uncle Dick throughout his entire life. They were his mentors and made him what he became throughout his life.

He started his military career just out of high school. Starting as an MP and retiring as a master sergeant, after 42 years in the Air Force Reserve. These years were most talked about and best times of his life. When he came home from active duty, he and his high school girl friend, Grace Hartman, fell in love. Shortly after marriage they stated a family.

He worked his way up at Multi Color, to be a master lithographer on offset presses. He produced some of the first Proctor and Gamble disposable diaper cartons. He was a firm believer of saving your money, and was able to save enough throughout the years to buy houses. These houses he rehabbed by himself and turned them into rental income for the family. He knew he could always provide a safe home for his girls when they grew up, and needed a place to live.

Learning from the military, he ran a tight but fair home of four daughters and a loving wife. He instilled in all of his children the hard work ethics which has helped them thru their careers. He enjoyed socializing and meeting people and was a stranger to no one.

He bought a Cincinnati Post evening news paper route. The entire family worked to deliver papers six days a week. When the evening news paper was discontinued, he delivered Multiple Listing books to realtors in greater Cincinnati area. He was always thrilled to help his friends find jobs, so they could join him in the MLS delivery venture. Even better, a long talk about joining the Air Force.

Being raised in a Catholic home, he attended St. Margaret of Cortona Church for over 60 years. For many years he ran the church bingo on Thursday nights. When there was a shortage of volunteers, his wife and family would help.

Never did he have to be asked to mow or shovel snow for the neighbors or relatives. His skills for helping others carried through our family for years. Replacing wall paper, plastering ceilings, painting house inside and out the list goes on and on. He always would help without being asked.

His love for animals grew throughout his life. Our first dog was a stray that he brough home from work one night after working 2nd shift. He raised rabbits, chicken, family goats, farm cats. Although he was shocked when an abused horse showed up at his farm. He quickly became best friends with the horse. Bringing her treats from the farm store, and learning how to calm the her. That horse followed him all over the farm. The bird feeder was never empty, keeping a log of all of them.

Most important he was a loving father who was proud of his daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Robert Blankemeyer was a man of few words, his words showed through in the way he loved and took care of his family. His appreciation of all his family, doctors, nurses, and care takers that helped him through the end of life. His days at St. Theresa home were short but he knew each and every face.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 20., at 10AM until the time of Mass of Christian Burial, 11AM at St. Cecilia Church, 3105 Madison Rd. (45209) Oakley. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.