Dick Arnold Blom, of Luverne, formerly of Leota, was born to Chris and Josie (Westenberg) Blom on June 24, 1924, on a farm 2 ½ miles southeast of Leota, MN. He received Christian infant baptism on September 14, 1924, and graduated from 8th grade at Country School District 99. He confessed Jesus as his Savior on October 6,1944, at Bethel Reformed Church in Leota, MN., where he served as Elder for 29 years as well as many years as Sunday School Superintendent and teacher.

   In March of 1945 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and received his basic training at Camp Maxey, TX, where soldiers were being trained for the big invasion of Japan. When he was home on furlough in August, the war in the Pacific ended.  In September he was sent to Okinawa with the Occupation Army to drive a bulldozer and build airports. Having never driven a bulldozer before, he asked someone to start it for him, and he got to work.  In October of 1946 he was discharged from the Army at Fort Sheridan, IL.

   On February 18, 1947, Dick married Pauline Bruxvoort. On March 1 they moved to a farm four miles east of Leota that Dick’s parents had purchased while he was in the service. They farmed there for 45 years and raised their four children.

   He was an auctioneer for 47 years and a real estate broker for over 20 years. He served on the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Board, the Inspiration Hills Board, and the Chandler School Board.  Dick and Pauline retired from farming in 1991 and moved to Leota where Dick enjoyed riding his bike.  He was a stable Christian man loved and respected by his family and many friends.

  Dick passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on January 14, 2017, at the Sanford Hospice Cottage in Luverne.  He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Pauline; their children and spouses: Joan (Tom) Strauss of Elkader, Iowa, Diann (Dave) Claassen of Brandon, Florida, and Cuecuecuautitla, Mexico, Dean (Sue Rehder) Blom of New Hope, Minnesota, and Sherlyn (Jim) De Hoog of San Antonio, Texas; eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren by birth and 15 by guardianship; three brothers, Alvin (Gladys) Blom of Luverne, Glenn (Geraldine) Blom of Leota, Earl (Marsha) Blom of Luverne and one sister, Caroline (Frank) Vander Woude of Chandler.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Donald, one nephew, one niece, and one great-grandson. 

   Visitation will be held Thursday, January 19, from 1 to 1:45 p.m. at the Bethel Reformed Church, Leota, Minnesota, with services to follow at 2 p.m. officiated by Revs. Dave Claassen and Jim De Hoog.

   The family has chosen to donate memorial contributions to Fishers of Men Ministries in Mexico founded by granddaughter Julie Zaragoza.

   The Leota Burial Association & Dingmann Funeral Home are assisting the family with arrangements.

   To view an online obituary, sign a virtual register book, or order flowers, please visit www.dingmannandsons.com

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