Loren R. Blum

Loren Ray Blum, age 80, of Schaller, Iowa died April 10, 2024 at UnityPoint St. Luke's in Sioux City, Iowa. Funeral Mass will take place Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Schaller. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the CHURCH. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller is in charge of the arrangements. Loren Ray Blum was born October 3, 1943 to Raymond and Edythe (Martin) Blum in Storm Lake, Iowa. He grew up attending school in Schaller, Iowa, graduating in 1961. He enjoyed athletics during High School, qualifying for state in track and field. After high school, Loren served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Later in life, Loren was a member of the Schaller VFW, served in the Schaller Fire Department, and was a member of the Schaller City Council. On September 1, 1967, Loren was united in marriage to Frances A. Schmitt at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early, Iowa. To this union, three children were born: Loren Jr., Ray, and Stephanie. Loren worked at HyGrade until it closed, then joined his brother, Randy to run their grocery store in Schaller. Most recently, Loren worked at Van Top in Holstein. In his free time, he was an avid golfer and sports fan. His favorite teams included Notre Dame, Minnesota Vikings, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. More than anything, Loren treasured time with his family and always looked forward to his grandchildren’s events. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Loren is survived by his children: Loren (Lisa) Blum Jr. of Rock Valley, Iowa; Ray (Lynnette) Blum of Hudsonville, Michigan; Stephanie (Mike) Brinkman of Early, Iowa; brothers; Rick (Rosemary) Blum of Schaller, Iowa; Randy (Elaine) Blum of Schaller, Iowa; sister: Collene Woodke of Schaller, Iowa; grandchildren: Sammy (Austin) Moss; Lizzy Blum; Ben Blum; Jordan Blum; Jared Blum; Jenna Blum; Katie Brinkman; Jacob (Autumn) Brinkman; Luke Brinkman; siblings-in-law: Ed (Sandy) Schmitt of Early, Iowa; Cathy Christman of Bronson, Iowa; Sandy Schmitt of Wall Lake, Iowa; Don Henrich of Merrill, Iowa; Susan Schmitt of Early, Iowa; extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Raymond and Edythe Blum Cructhfield; wife: Fran Blum; parents-in-law: John and Bertha Schmitt; brother-in-law: Jerry Woodke; Bill Christman; Larry (Shirley) Schmitt; George Schmitt; sisters-in-law: Helen Henrich; Leonard (Mary) Schmitt; nieces: Marilyn Schmitt; Lisa Paysen: Lori Rimmer; and great-nephew: Christopher Rimmer.

Loren R. Blum

October 3, 1943 - April 10, 2024