On the evening of March 24th, Van Lee Blankenship II, passed away at Saint Vincent Health Care in Billings Montana as a result from a stroke he had on the 15th of March. Van was 53 years old and surrounded by family as the Lord took him home.
Van was born April 19, 1970 in Beach, North Dakota. He was the first-born son of Van and Sandy Blankenship. Van was born and raised as a “ranch kid”. Van grew up in the Burns Creek area of Savage, Montana. He attended Savage Public School through the 6th grade, then moved to Sweeney Creed and attended Rosebud Public School through graduation. Van was married on his birthday in 1993, and to this union, he gained a son, Trace Allen Nass. That same year in September, they were blessed with a daughter, Roper Ray Blankenship. Van loved his children very dearly, and they were an important part of his life.
Vans life was faced with many medical challenges. He suffered two very severe Traumatic Brain Injuries as a youth. At that time, Van’s prognosis was not very good, he had to fight for his life. He learned to laugh again and he was able to overcome many obstacles that most people did not realize. As Van aged; he was diagnosed with diabetes, and had many ailments related to the brain injuries he had. He received special care from family, especially his sister, Laura Lee, who was always there to help any time day or night to help with any troubles or predicaments Van may have gotten himself into!
Despite all of the hardships Van had been dealt, he usually had a positive outlook on life. Van was fiercely loyal; you did not have to wonder if he liked you or not. He mostly liked everyone, but if he did not, he made that clear pretty quickly!
Van found happiness in many different things. Listening to music, dancing, visiting friends, taking road trips with his special friend Darlene Bement and driving. Getting a CDL and driving a semi was an accomplishment Van had great pride in. He also loved to drive his motorcycle; it was something that gave him a sense of freedom. He always told stories of driving incredibly fast or doing things that were quite dangerous: usually to try and get a rise from his audience. If he was successful at getting the rise, his response was a hearty laugh, shrug and a big twinkle in his eyes!
Van had a love for old pickups, cars and motorcycles. In his later years, many times he would have to walk home when they quit him. He relied on Merle, Chance, and Jay to do a lot of mechanical work for him. He was quick to have the vehicle torn apart, but could not reassemble them. This may have been deliberate; we are not sure, because it meant spending a lot of time with his brothers and even friends that came to help him with his puzzle of pieces and parts.
Van was very fond of children. He always interacted with them; from rattling his keys and clucking to babies, to joking and laughing with older kids. It almost always led to him trying to give them a ride on a horse or in more recent years his motorcycle.
Van really enjoyed an agricultural lifestyle as well. He liked to help nearly anyone with whatever they were working on. It did not seem to matter if it was riding and working cattle or mechanical work, he would help where he could. Van would have loved to be an “old time cowboy.” He dressed like a cowboy, loved horses and riding. He liked to be around ranchers and cowboys. He could talk their talk and spent time around them whenever possible.
Van will be greatly missed. His mother, Sandy (Ernie) Fogle has taken special care of Van all of his life. Van is survived by his mother Sandy Fogle, his children Trace/Peggy, Roper and her son Apollo, sister Laura Lee (Blake) Beeler her children; Chance (Tara) and their children, Aubrey Kenitzer, Brayan Kalloch, Benson Kalloch, Addyson Johnson, Avery Johnson, Mason Kalloch and Brixton Kalloch; Casey (Tracy) Awbery and their children, Trae Awbery, Leland Lockwood, Evelyn Awbery and little sister on the way; brothers: Jay (Nicole) and their kids Tyree and Brig Blankenship and Merle (Jessica) and ther child Cadence Blankenship and Vans special friend Darlene Bement. We find great comfort in knowing that Van is in heaven with a healthy mind and body. There is a huge celebration going on in heaven now with his admittance!
A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday April 5, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday April 5, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Ed & Becky Gergen says
We are very sorry to hear about Van. He was a nice person.
Jeanie Thueringer says
My condolences to the family/ friends . I will miss him , had a lot of good friendship memories..
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
Sandy and Family,
Was so sorry to hear of your loss. Been keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Sending our deepest sympathy to all the family. God be with you all!
Glen and Teena Bollinger
Clara Jo says
Roper and Trace so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. May God help you through every day and may memories fill your hearts on days that are rough 🤗
Shannon Holmen says
I so enjoyed my last visit with VanLee. He looked and sounded so good. I’m so sorry for his family. My prayers.
Momma Trish says
Roper and Trace, this breaks my heart to read this, Im so sorry.
Debi Rapstad says
My heart has ached every day since he became ill. Please know you’re in my thoughts and prayers, take care of each other in these difficult days ahead. I send you all my love.
Corina Venable says
A man with a heart as big as the Montana sky. ❤️ There are so many memories. I will never forget the time we decided it would be fun to have a pillow fight with Grandmother’s feather pillows. It was a grand time until, POOF! Suddenly it was snowing feathers! Special feathers, from Granny Venable, were showering us from above. The more we tried to contain them the more they delicately danced about the room. Childhood memories bind us together. My cousin, brother, confidant and friend. It’s not good bye, it’s for now.
Sending love to all the family there.
Corina
Jolene. And Cody taylor family says
O. Sandy. I am so so. Sorry,, van Lee troubles with life are only. Memories. The good lord finally chose. Him to come home. Now only you and your family can hopefully find some peace,, our thoughts and prayers are with you all..sending love and strength at this time. And always,,,
Kevin and Sheila Krausz says
Sandy and Family,
Very sorry for your loss. Big hugs.
Amy LaPierre says
I’m so sorry to hear of Vans passing. Van was a good friend to me for many years. You could always count on him to help you in any way he possibly could and he was always there to listen and be a genuine friend. My condolences to his family and closest friends. He will me remembered and missed.
Arlene Dyba Aberle says
Van was an Angel before he was an Angel, Darlene Van and I had so many good times together. Darlene was a wonderful wife to Van. They did so many things together. They loved to go on roadies together, the memeries they made will always be in Darlenes heart. She is so Devastated right now. Im doing what i can to Console her . Van you will always be in her heart . He will surely be missed by her and me. Rest in piece sweetheart, you are now Darlenes Guardian Angel now. Robert also misses you so much also .R.I.P. MY BROTHER IN LAW
Dennis and Aldis Fischer says
Deepest sympathy to all the family. Prayers for peace and comfort.
Jim and Judy kalloch says
Sorry for your loss. Thinking of the family in prayer and thoughts. Take care of each other.
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
Dear Family, So sorry to hear this. Van was always so helpful when he lived at Eagles Manor when my Dad was there. He would help with everything, helping set up equipment when playing music, then start a car in the middle of winter or help get a car out of the snow when stuck. He was just a great person.
Jesse Shackelford says
Some of my fondest memories are with Van, and his family Jay and Nicole. The good lord has a great cowboy who ride the heavens with. R.I.P. Van
Doug & Cherie Heser says
Sandy, Laura, Jay and Merle,
We were so sorry to learn about Van Lee. We are glad for a good visit with him not long ago. He was a fine young man, and we enjoyed him at Rosebud and when he was at the home place. May he rest in peace with no more troubles or pain. You all are in our prayers.
NIC says
Darlene and Roper, so sorry to hear of vans passing. No more pain, no more worries. May he b in heaven 3 days b4 the devil knows he is free
Lee and Kathy Baugatz says
Sandy and family So sorry to hear about Van you are in our thoughts and prayers
Lynn Rae Ziebarth says
Great heart and just nice to see him. He Will be missed. Rip van
Pauline Chamberlin says
Oh Sandy, I am so sorry for your loss. Children are so precious and should never go before us. May your memories provide you all with some comfort. Thinking of you and your family.
Sandy and Ric Rabe says
Sandy and Family, we are so sorry for your loss. We pray that you find comfort in wonderful memories. Thinking of you and sending prayers. God Bless You All.
Cheryl Tonn says
Sandy I am so sorry to read this. My deepest sympathy for your family.
Tara Hix Anderson says
I was deeply sorry to hear of Van’s passing. He was always so welcoming and friendly to everyone. May you find comfort in all of your wonderful memories.
Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
I’m so sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ken and Vicki Hess says
We are so sorry to see that Van Lee passed away. As hard as things were at times, there was always love and caring. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jane Viall says
Sandy, I’m thinking of you and praying for you and the family. It’s so painful!! Remember, God is there and listening.
Jonnie Gilbert Taylor says
I am sorry for your loss. Prayers of peace and comfort for each of you.
Toni Bjelland says
I’m so sorry. Please know your family is my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Alice Mangen says
Sandy and family I was so sad to here about Van Lee. He conquered a lot of health battles in his life. I can remember the times on Sweeney Creek cutting wood and how helpful he was. Hold on to the memories tight. Love You Mary Alice Mangen
Bill & Brenda Allison says
Sandy and family we are so sorry for your loss. So many fond memories of Van at Rosebud and as a young man.
Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Kay Davis Berdahl says
Sandy, Laura and all of Van’s family,
Van always visited with those of us from the Rosebud days when he’d run into us in Miles. Sorry for your loss!
Condolences and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Josephine Meidinger says
Darlene and Van’s family so sorry to hear about Van. Enjoyed visiting with Van.
Karen Losing says
I am so sorry for your loss of Van Lee. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
Tracie Jones says
Sandy, Laura, and Family,
Please know my thoughts are with all of you. I did not know Van, but because I know how Sandy and Laura Lee are, I’m guaranteed that he had their compassionate hearts ❤️, and would do anything to help others. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Karla Davidson says
I have many memories of van lee,since I first met his mom Sandy way back in nursing school in 1986. He was always happy and easy to visit with
In later years he met my good friend Darlene and they were happy together .van had a great sense of humor and we enjoyed a good laugh or two. He will be missed.
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Goodbye Van longtime friend. To all the Blankenship family, you are in my thoughts and prayers during the difficult times ahead. Van was a good friend and a friend to everyone. He will be missed in the community. Van God Bless you in heaven. I’m so sorry to see you leave us.
Eve Libby says
Sandy I’m sorry to hear of Vans passing. Your family were so very kind to me. Van will always hold a very special place in my heart. Good times and bad times, I loved him dearly. May he be at peace. My best to the family.
Rob bartholomew says
So so sorry to hear this. Van was always nice o me. Can’t imagine your heart acke!
Diana Robinette says
So sorry I just found out, Van was one of a kind, I enjoyed my visit with him I send my condolences to his family,
Garnee Erickson says
Sandy I am so very sorry to read about the loss of your son. My heart aches for you and your family. Losing a child is the worst pain a mom has to go through. You and your family will be in my prayers. I don’t know if you remember me but we worked together in ICU at the old Holy Rosary. Hugs and prayers.
Shannon Gamber says
Van was a good friend. Always enjoyed having a drink and shooting a little pool. May God watch over you all. With prayers, amen