Roman H. “Romie” Blankenheim

PORTAGE  --  Roman H. “Romie” Blankenheim, age 96, of Portage, passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2010 following a brief stay at Divine Savior Healthcare Extended Care.

Roman was born on March 6, 1914 in Sauk City, Wisconsin, the son of Henry and Louise (Kinshner) Blankenheim.  He graduated high school in Sauk City.  Roman was married to Pauline Niehus in Sauk City on January 13, 1942.  He served his country with the U.S. Army during World War II from 1942 until 1945.  Roman was in business with Pauline since 1942.  They owned the Royal Blue “Certified” Grocery Store in Sauk City, the Whitewater Lake Inn Supper Club in Whitewater, the Wisconsin House of Cheese in Phoenix, Arizona, the Country Inn Supper Club in Columbus, the Gaslight Lounge (tavern/restaurant) in Fort Atkinson, Trail’s Lounge Supper Club in Portage, Feed Bag Supper Club in Watertown, and the Blankenhaus Supper Club in Portage.  They also ran the Portage Country Club Restaurant for two years.  Roman was a member of the American Legion Post, Portage, V.F.W., Portage, the Portage Curling Club, and the Portage Elks Club.

He is survived by three children, Ronald (Sandy) Blankenheim, Portage, Susan (Gary) Winter, Florida, and James (Kay) Blankenheim, Portage;  ten grandchildren, Kevin (Ruth Schmidt) Zamzow, Kim (Doug) Cibulka, Kelly (Chris) Breunig, Michael (Stephanie) Blankenheim, Colleen (Greg) Floyd, Jenny (Todd) Workman, Christina (Larry) Bates, and Katie, Jimmy and Kelsey Blankenheim;  15 great-grandchildren;  other near relatives and many close friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Pauline on October 13, 2009, a brother, Lyman “Peter” Blankenheim, a sister, Orva Dresen, a sister-in-law, Wanda Blankenheim, and a brother-in-law, Lloyd Dresen.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Portage, with Fr. Jim Murphy officiating.  Burial will be at 3:45 p.m. on Saturday in St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery in Sauk City.  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the church on Saturday.

The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.