Robert M. Blanckaert, 67, Santa Claus

Robert M. Blanckaert, 67, of Santa Claus, passed away at 9:25 a.m., Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Willowdale Village in Dale. 

He was born in Flint, Michigan, on February 26, 1958, to Robert L. and Patricia Blanckaert.  

He married Gale Minch on May 15, 1987, in Davison, Michigan.  

Robert worked for Buick as a toolmaker and was a lifetime auto enthusiast. After retiring, he moved to Santa Claus, Indiana. He enjoyed boating and fishing, was a skilled Euchre player, and never paid retail. He could fix anything from cars to robotic vacuums, and used his talent to help others, especially the Christmas Lake Village Garden Club.  

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother-in-law, George Minch.  

He is survived by his wife, Gale Blanckaert of Santa Claus; two sons, Michael (Melody) Zeek of St. Louis, Missouri and Robert T. (Pooja Pasawala) Blanckaert of Belmont, California; one brother, Thomas (Laurie) Blanckaert of Mooresville, North Carolina; one sister, Suzi (Donald) McMonagle of Colorado Springs, Colorado; two grandchildren, Lindsey and Mitchell Zeek; one brother-in-law, Gary (Debbie) Minch; and one sister-in-law, Gay Ann (Dennis Light) Messier. 

Rainey Funeral Home in Dale has been entrusted with handling the arrangements. No services will be held.  

Condolences may be shared online at:  www.raineyfuneralhome.com.