Stanley "Stan" Blankenship

Stan was born on July 4, 1949 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Stan was a devoted husband to Sandy for 20 years, a loving father to Lori (Chris), Allen, Jena (Jerry) , Alex (Ikumi), and two step daughters Nikki (Doran) and Shawn (Casey). He was a cherished grandfather to Chad, Sarah, Talan, Jade, Opal, Emi, Hana and step grandchildren Ethan, Andy, Marissa, Skylar and Hadley. He was a great-grandfather to Ella, Abby, Amelia, Hayleigh and Olivia. Stan's surviving siblings are Wanda (Doug), Roger (Mary), Janice, Nancy (Mike) and Michael (Carrie). Memorial service held Sunday, July 6th, 2025 at 10:30 at Hangar 17 at the Dodge Center Airport, Dodge Center MN. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Stan was an active member of the U.S. Navy from 1973 – 1979 as an in-flight tech in a P-3 Orion. He visited many foreign countries during his tour, including South Korea; Okinawa, Japan; Thailand; and Guam. Following his career in the Navy, he was an instructor at Rochester Community Technical College for 30 years teaching electronics. Stan's love of flying continued throughout his life. He built and flew a Sonex and most recently a Zenith CH-750. He really enjoyed spending time with his airport friends. Coffee, conversation, and watching flight activity in and out of the Dodge Center airport was a favorite pastime. He was a member of the local chapter of the Experimental Aviation Association (EAA). He made many contributions of both time and energy, assisting in working on projects at the airport terminal building, most recently building benches. Aside from flying in his spare time he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was very grateful that he was able to attend a reunion in Texas with all of his siblings shortly before his death. Memorials made will be used to establish a scholarship to encourage potential flyers. He was a strong believer in trying to increase membership to the aviation field and the EAA chapter. Thank you all so much for your sympathy and support during this difficult time. We appreciate your thoughts, prayers and love. A luncheon will be provided following the memorial service at the Flicek home at 61838 248th Ave, Mantorville.