Lem Albert Blankenship

Lem Albert Blankenship, 81, of Keokuk, Iowa, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in Fort Madison, Iowa.

Lem was born on February 6, 1945, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Vencil and Mildred (Tallman) Blankenship. He graduated from Keokuk High School in 1963, where he played basketball and became a star football player. On July 29, 1965, he was united in marriage to Bobbie Nye in Keokuk. She survives. Lem owned and operated his own autobody shop in Keokuk for over fifty years until his retirement. He was a member of New Testament Christian Church, the Keokuk Racer’s Reunion and supported his long-time friend Mike Shea’s radio program, the Sports Caravan.

For Lem, racing wasn’t a hobby, it was a way of life. His family would joke that he was born a racer. He started dirt track racing in 1964 and immediately began winning championships. From there, he moved on to USAC in 1970 and won most improved driver that year. Throughout his storied career, he raced for both himself and others, including legendary racers such as Ramo Stott. Lem was often a prankster and always a talker. To him, a stranger was just a friend he hadn’t met yet. He was filled with old-school wisdom, respected by his peers and the youth alike. Lem adored his family and spoiled them rotten. He was generous to a fault. Lem lived his life in the fast lane and savored every moment of it. Lem was a man of faith with a strong desire to not only finish a race, but to finish well. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. He has entered into eternity to be forever with the Lord.

Lem is survived by his loving wife Bobbie Blankenship of Keokuk; his son Troy (Tarris) Blankenship of Iowa City; his brother Gordon Blankenship of Keokuk; four grandchildren: Nicole (David) Murphy of Kansas City, Missouri, Troy Lem “TJ” (Brittany) Blankenship, II of Kansas City, Amya Blankenship of Quincy, Illinois, and Natalie Blankenship-Williams of Arkansas; three great-grandchildren: Bly, Boaz and Ram Blankenship; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lem is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ginny Gruwell, and sister-in-law, Linda Blankenship.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 11 to 3 pm, with family meeting friends from 1 to 3 pm at DeJong-Printy Funeral Home in Keokuk, Iowa. A memorial service will be held at 3 pm on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at DeJong-Printy Funeral Home in Keokuk directly following the visitation. Burial at Scandinavian Cemetery in rural Keokuk will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to Keokuk Animal Services or the Keokuk Humane Society.

DeJong-Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.