Dennis F. Blankenbeckler

Dennis Blankenbeckler May 17, 1946 - April 16, 2012 Dennis Blankenbeckler, 65, was born on May 17, 1946 in Smyth County, Virginia. He died on April 16, 2012. He is predeceased by his father, Glen Franklin Blankenbeckler. He is survived by his mother, Carola Blankenbeckler, at Dogwood Village in Orange, Virginia; his wife, Beverley Blankenbeckler, of Earlysville, Virginia; his daughter, Emily Constantine, and her husband, Anthony, and grandchildren, Miles and Morgan, all of Charleston, South Carolina; his sister, Carol B. Eddy, and her husband, David, of Palmyra, Virginia; and brother, Greg Blankenbeckler, and his wife, Jennifer, of Lakewood, Colorado. Dennis was a 1964 graduate of Chilhowie High School in southwest Virginia. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1968 from the School of Commerce. After college he moved to Chicago where he worked first for Brunswick and then for the Masonite Corporation. After nine years in Chicago, he moved to Charlottesville, Virginia and began working for Crouse-Hinds as a senior systems analyst until his retirement in 1995. He married his wife Beverley in 1989. They lived in Earlysville while Dennis continued to work. Dennis maintained an even disposition and a positive outlook on life through his struggles with muscular dystrophy. He continued to walk using leg braces and canes until long after it seemed possible. After his retirement, he kept busy by building computers for family members. He put together CD collections and family albums of pictures that will forever remain keepsakes. Three years ago, Dennis had to be placed on a ventilator and relocated to Woodbine Nursing Home in Alexandria, Virginia. He continued to be optimistic, making friends with the staff there. As he said during our last visit, "I wake up happy in the morning; I remain happy during the day; and I go to sleep happy at night." Those who knew him will miss his friendliness, his kindness, his intelligence, his empathy, and his dedication to his family. He taught us how to overcome obstacles with optimism and perseverance. Family will receive friends at the family-owned Beall Funeral Home, 6512 NW Crain Hwy. (Rte. 3 South), Bowie, MD on Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 10am to 11am, with a Funeral Service at 11am. Interment to follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville, MD. If desired,, contributions may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 3300 East Sunrise Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718.