Fred Blum
April 25, 1928 - August 28, 2016

   Frederick Mathias, son of Aloysius and Hilda (Hoffman) Blum, was born April 25, 1928 at home on the farm near Panama, Iowa. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Panama, graduating with the Class of 1945. Fred farmed with his father until entering the United States Army. He served in Korea with the Korean Military Advisement Group as a radio operator. After his honorable discharge in 1952 he started farming west of Panama.

   Fred moved to a farm west of Manilla in 1955 when he was united in marriage with Coletta Schwery. She died in 1966.

   On June 7, 1969, Fred was united in marriage with Marlene Christensen at Annunciation Church in Coon Rapids. They lived and raised their seven children near Manilla. Fred and Marlene were members of Sacred Heart Parish in Manilla. Fred was a member of the Manning Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed farming, woodworking and family time. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren and his days at the casino.

  Fred passed peacefully in his sleep at home on Sunday, August 28, 2016. He was 88 years, 4 months and 3 days of age.

   Preceding him in death are his parents; sister; brother; son John at birth, great grandson and brother in law Frank Wageman.              

  Fred is survived by his wife Marlene Blum of Manilla; seven children Tim Blum (Joan) of Council Bluffs; Dave Blum (Chris) of Denison; Joan Blum of Council Bluffs; Andy Blum (Lori) of Marne; Jean Fletcher (Brian) of Denison; Al Blum (Tami) of Denison; and Heather Olson (Mark) of Odebolt; 18 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; three brothers Richard Blum (Lois) of Manilla, Ed Blum (Joleen) Harlan,  Paul Blum (Mary) of Omaha, NE; sister Esther Wageman of Omaha, NE and other relatives and friends.

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