Larry Bruce Blankenbaker, 74, of Galena, IL, unexpectedly passed away at home on Saturday, June 1, 2024. A celebration of life will be held from 1 to 4 PM, on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the Galena Elks Lodge, Galena. In keeping with his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family. He was born on August 1, 1949, in Rensselaer, IN, the son of LaVern and Jean (Schuringa) Blankenbaker. Larry graduated from DeMotte High School, DeMotte, IN, with the class of 1967. He went on to graduate from Valparaiso University in 1971. Larry married Mary Dietrich on March 25, 1972, at St. Matthews Cathedral, South Bend, IN. He was a Junior High School science teacher and High School football and wrestling coach for North Judson High School, IN. Larry worked as an emergency room technician at Community Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. He also worked for 3M and WL Gore. In 1986, he and his wife purchased Benjamin’s restaurant and bar, Galena, and retired after twenty-eight years of operation in 2014. Larry was an EMT for Paramount Dubuque, the Galena ambulance, and a paramedic for the Elizabeth ambulance. He enjoyed sports, woodworking, and gardening. Larry was a Rotary, Lions Club, Eagles, and Galena Elks Lodge member. He was active in the Galena community and co-sponsored the Saint Patrick’s Day parade. He is survived by his wife, Mary, two sons, Michael (Angela) and Andy, three grandchildren, Benjamin Blankenbaker, Alexa and Bryce Baker, and Melissa Knotts, mother of Benjamin. He was preceded in death by his parents. The family wishes to thank the Elizabeth and Galena ambulance service, Scales Mound Fire Department, and the Galena Territory Security.