Service Information
Gary L. Blum, age 73, of Olivia formerly of Winthrop and Stewart passed away Friday, May 10, 2024, at Centra Care St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Memorial Service will be Monday, May 20, 2024, 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart with interment in the church cemetery.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be Monday from 9:30 A.M.-11:00 A.M., ALL at church.
Obituary
Gary Loren Blum was born on June 29, 1950, in Glencoe, Minnesota. He was the son of Oscar and Lillian (Pagel) Blum. Gary was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart. He grew up and attended school in Stewart, Minnesota, graduating from Stewart High school in 1968. Following high school, he worked for Milwaukee Railroad in Stewart, Minnesota, for over 25 years.
In 1995, Gary moved to Winthrop, Minnesota. In 2002, Gary’s life changed after a fall in his home which resulted in a spinal cord injury. He was constricted to his wheelchair and moving to Care facilities. For over 20 years he called Olivia Restoration and Care Center in Olivia his home until his death. Many of his caregivers became like family to him.
He loved spending time with his family, looking forward to our annual Christmas gathering “Gary’s Christmas.” Gary loved his plants and flowers, looked forward to entering them in the Renville County Fair each year. He was proud of being grand champion three years in a row. He was very skillful with his iPad and cellphone, keeping in contact with all his family. He loved watching his families church services on his iPad every Sunday. Other hobbies included garage sales, collecting cookie jars and roosters, and participating in all activities at Nursing home.
Gary passed away on Friday, May 10, 2024, at the Centra Care St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud at the age of 73 years. Blessed be his memory.
Gary is survived by his:
Sisters, Darlene Homburg of Lonsdale, MN,
Donna Meyer of Detroit Lakes, MN;
Brothers, James (Silvana) Blum of Montgomery, MN,
David (Rebecca) Blum of Le Center, MN;
Nieces and Nephews, Cheryl Hennen, Janell (Jeff) Franta, Michelle Homburg, Jenny (Phil) Kirchoff, Angela Blum, Robin (Doug) Soyring, Tamela Duque, Cindy Dorzinski, Dustin (Jamie Lynn) Blum, Amanda (Joel) Samuelson, Elizabeth Blum, Andrew (Hillary) Blum;
Great-Nieces and Great-Nephews, Mallory (Dustin) Dingman, Joslyn (Tony) and Jarod Franta, Marz, Lily and Trevor Kirchoff, Josalee Blum, Patrick and Ryan Soyring, Samantha, Tyler and Jacob Duque, Carter Dorzinski, Addie and Cooper Blum, Dakota, Eden and Jonah Samuelson, Penelope Blum.
Gary was preceded in death by his Parents, Oscar and Lillian Blum; Brother, George Blum; Sister-in-law, Joanne Blum; Brothers-in-law, Doug Meyer, Otto (Bud) Homburg; Great-niece, Caitlin Homburg.
Micheal kisling says
Sorry for your lost Gary was a nice guy when I met him when he worked with my father on the Milwaukee railroad .
Gary will be missed by every one who knew him
Wally Blum says
Gary was a great man. I remember how he could pick up a railroad tie in each arm. He was very strong. He also had a great interest in family. He will be missed for sure.