Gerd Fritz Hans Blankenburg

Gerd Fritz Hans Blankenburg, 85, of Concord, peacefully passed away at home on January 3, 2026, surrounded by his wife, Margret and daughters, Karen and Heike.

Gerd was born June 9, 1940, to the late Hermann Fritz Hans Blankenburg and the late Irma Blankenburg. He left home at age 14 to work in the coal mines, beginning a life marked by determination and resilience. In 1961, he met the love of his life, Margret, on a rainy afternoon in Hamburg when he offered to share his umbrella with her. They married three years later, and that early gesture of kindness set the tone for a lifetime of gentlemanly devotion - watching over his beloved wife, always opening doors for her, giving her little kisses every morning and saying “Ich liebe dich” each night before bed.

True to his adventurous spirit, Gerd suggested to his new bride that they immigrate to Chile. They compromised and set their sights on New York instead. With just $90 in their pockets, the newlyweds set sail to begin their life together in a new world. In New York, Gerd built a successful career importing and exporting paper products that would take him to the far reaches of the Middle East and Central America. Later, in the early 90s, he struck out and founded his own import/export company, Stel-Trade.

In 1973, after their daughters, Karen and Heike, were born, Gerd and Margret moved to Connecticut, seeking a home with a yard where they could raise their children close to nature. When their children and grandchildren - Megan, Lexi, Erika, and Max - moved to North Carolina, Gerd and Margret quickly followed, settling in Concord in 2001.

Gerd showed up for his children and grandchildren—always. Whether it was a swim meet, school play, tree planting, or running race, he was there cheering them on. As a devoted swim dad, he volunteered as a timer at every single meet, stopwatch in hand.

His love of sailing led him and Margret to discover tall sailing ship cruises, and together they explored Tahiti and Polynesia, Spain and Morocco, and the Caribbean. Their travels didn’t stop there, they also visited countries in Central America, Europe and Egypt. Even at 76, his adventurous spirit hadn't dimmed—he successfully tackled Grandfather Mountain, one of North Carolina's most challenging trails.

Gerd had a knack for working with his hands. He lost himself in woodworking and carpentry projects—even building a beautiful gazebo in the backyard where he and Margret would share afternoon coffee with neighbors. He also loved building model sailing ships, tending his garden, and curating his stamp collection. Throughout his life, his greatest joy was his family. Even toward the end, his face would light up whenever his grandchildren came to visit.

Gerd was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Lotti. He is survived by his wife, Margret; daughter Karen Bentley and her husband Beau; daughter Heike Biller and her husband Kurt; and his four grandchildren, Megan Elizabeth Bentley, Alexis Marie Bentley, Erika Mae Biller, and Max Phillip Biller. He is fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews and extended family in Germany.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Hartsell Funeral of Concord. Following the service, friends and family are invited to Gerd and Margret's home to share memories and light refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Atrium Hospice & Palliative Care Cabarrus/Atrium Health Foundation.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Blankenburg family.