Kenneth Blum
November 3, 1932 — July 2, 2023
Kenneth Nicholas Blum, son of William and Laurina (Britten) Blum, was born on November 3, 1932, at his family farm near Westphalia, Iowa. He attended St. Bonaface Catholic Church where he was baptized and confirmed. He attended school up until the 8th grade at St. Bonaface and then worked on the family farm. On Feb 11, 1956, Kenny was united in marriage to Doris Kremer of Heggen Germany. To this union seven children were born: Duane, Jim, Denise, Keith, Patty, Donnie and David.
Kenny served with honor in the United States Army from 15 June 1953 to 12 May 1955. As a Private First Class in Company B of the 145th Infantry Regiment, he bravely served during the Korean War. In recognition of his service, Kenny earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal, showcasing his commitment to excellence and his commendable service to his country.
Kenny loved to dance with Doris before and after they were married. Although he lost his ability to dance, he continued to keep the beat watching the bands on TV. Kenny and Doris spent many winters in Mission, Texas enjoying their friends and the sunny weather. Whether here there or anywhere, he was one to fix almost anything for anyone including projects during his time at Peace Haven. He loved woodworking and worked on many projects for many people including making sure all the great grandkids got toy barns. He played pool, was captain of the slow pitch softball team, enjoyed fishing, putting together puzzles, telling jokes, and most especially playing cards. He would play cards at any given time, any place, and with whoever would join him. His work life consisted of driving truck for various farmers and businesses, worked at packing houses, was a farmhand and farmer, worked on the railroad, a welder and home beer brewer. They were owners of Blum's Place Bar for several years.
On Sunday, July 2, 2023, Kenny was welcomed into Heaven's gate having attained the age of 90 years, 7 months and 29 days. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Laurina; siblings: Mary, Bernard, Francis and Marge.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 67 years Doris Blum of Walnut, Iowa; children Duane (Cindy) Blum of North Pole, Alaska; Jim (Betty) Blum of Walnut, Iowa; Denise (Terry) Krueger of Hancock, Iowa; Keith (Karen) Blum of Ames, Iowa; Patty (Brad) Kay of Atlantic, Iowa; Donnie (Tami) Blum of Baxter, IA; David (Barb) Blum of Walnut, IA; 18 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; siblings Jerome (Jean) Blum of Lake City, Iowa; Agnes Starr of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Monica (Lanny) Newland of Harlan, Iowa; Marcus (Janet) Blum of Fisher Texas; Ralph (Patti) Blum of Harlan, Iowa; Eugene (Jackie) Blum of Westphalia, Iowa; Linda (John) White of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Michael (Vicky) Blum of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Terry Miller of Colorado Springs, Colorado; nieces and nephews, other family and many friends.
Kenny served with honor in the United States Army from 15 June 1953 to 12 May 1955. As a Private First Class in Company B of the 145th Infantry Regiment, he bravely served during the Korean War. In recognition of his service, Kenny earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal, showcasing his commitment to excellence and his commendable service to his country.
Kenny loved to dance with Doris before and after they were married. Although he lost his ability to dance, he continued to keep the beat watching the bands on TV. Kenny and Doris spent many winters in Mission, Texas enjoying their friends and the sunny weather. Whether here there or anywhere, he was one to fix almost anything for anyone including projects during his time at Peace Haven. He loved woodworking and worked on many projects for many people including making sure all the great grandkids got toy barns. He played pool, was captain of the slow pitch softball team, enjoyed fishing, putting together puzzles, telling jokes, and most especially playing cards. He would play cards at any given time, any place, and with whoever would join him. His work life consisted of driving truck for various farmers and businesses, worked at packing houses, was a farmhand and farmer, worked on the railroad, a welder and home beer brewer. They were owners of Blum's Place Bar for several years.
On Sunday, July 2, 2023, Kenny was welcomed into Heaven's gate having attained the age of 90 years, 7 months and 29 days. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Laurina; siblings: Mary, Bernard, Francis and Marge.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 67 years Doris Blum of Walnut, Iowa; children Duane (Cindy) Blum of North Pole, Alaska; Jim (Betty) Blum of Walnut, Iowa; Denise (Terry) Krueger of Hancock, Iowa; Keith (Karen) Blum of Ames, Iowa; Patty (Brad) Kay of Atlantic, Iowa; Donnie (Tami) Blum of Baxter, IA; David (Barb) Blum of Walnut, IA; 18 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; siblings Jerome (Jean) Blum of Lake City, Iowa; Agnes Starr of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Monica (Lanny) Newland of Harlan, Iowa; Marcus (Janet) Blum of Fisher Texas; Ralph (Patti) Blum of Harlan, Iowa; Eugene (Jackie) Blum of Westphalia, Iowa; Linda (John) White of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Michael (Vicky) Blum of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Terry Miller of Colorado Springs, Colorado; nieces and nephews, other family and many friends.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kenneth Blum, please visit our flower store.