Robert Harvey Blankenagel June 16, 1952 ~ April 26, 2026

Robert Harvey Blankenagel, 73, of La Sal, UT, passed away peacefully at his home on April 26, 2026.
He was born on June 16, 1952, in Provo, UT, to the late Harvey and Norma Blankenagel. Robert served a mission in New York City, returning with not one but two juvenile racoons. He earned his associate degree in auto mechanics at CEU in Price, UT.
Born under a wandering star, Robert’s independent and nomadic spirit led him on a myriad of career paths including operating a skidder for a lumber company in the High Uintas, working as a green chain puller at a sawmill in Vernal, and supervising crush operations at the Rio Algum mine in La Sal.
He earned his sea legs as the mechanical engineer on a commercial fishing boat in Alaska, then returned to La Sal to work on the family ranch where he met his wife, Mary Wilcox.
After wedding in February of 1989, they purchased a 150-acre ranch in Madras, OR and celebrated the birth of their daughter, Anne Marie, on October 6, 1992.
In addition to his parents, Robert is preceded in death by his brother John Blankenagel. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Anne Marie McMakin and Ross McMakin, of Stayton, OR, and grandchild Everlee Reed McMakin.
As an avid metal worker, scuba diver, snowmobile racer, and firearms enthusiast, Robert relished his hobbies while still carving out time to serve.
Everywhere he went Robert aided his fellows, whether drilling wells for neighbors, cutting firewood for widows, or serving his ward family in multiple church callings.
Robert will be remembered for his gentleness, playful nature, and unwavering eagerness to help.
A memorial service celebrating Robert’s exceptional life will be held on May 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the La Sal Chapel of the Church of Jesus Chris of Latter-day Saints.
The family invites all who knew and loved Robert to join them in honoring his memory.
Family and friends are invited to share tributes online at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.