He died March 12, 2002, at his home.

He was born June 22, 1933, in Sheridan, the son of Otto F. and Lina (Geter) Blankenburg.

For many years, he worked for Western Electric and traveled throughout the country installing telephone equipment.

As a younger man, he was an avid sportsman and played football, hunted, fished, skied, and enjoyed fine cars.

Known for his generosity, he purchased his parents' first television and other family gifts.  In later years, his pleasures were bingo and pull tabs and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his sister and brother-in-law, Clara and Lefty Wells of Littleton, Colo.; three nieces; one nephew; a great-nephew; sister-in-law of Sheridan; and aunts and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father in November 1966; brother, Edward, in April 1982; mother in August 2001.

Memorials may be made to the Walter Otto Blankenburg Memorial Fund in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.