Blom, Arlene 1921-2009

BLOM, FRERICHS, MEINEN, MILLER

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 5/6/2009 at 11:59:05

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, May 6, 2009

Arlene Blom, 88, of Le Mars, died Sunday, May 3, 2009, at the Plymouth Manor Care Center in Le Mars.

Arlene Alvinia Frerichs was born Nov. 15, 1921, on the family farm East of Akron, in Preston Township, the daughter of Ernest and Minnie (Meinen) Frerichs. Arlene was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Preston Township. She attended country school near her home in Preston Township.

Arlene was united in marriage to William "Bill" Miller Nov. 25, 1937, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Preston Township, rural Akron. The couple moved to Marland, Okla., where they farmed and later to Fedonia, Kan., to another farm. In early 1945, they returned back to Iowa to a farm in Stanton Township, rural Plymouth County. They continued to farm until 1970 when they retired and moved to Le Mars.

Arlene assisted Bill with farming and also with the livestock and grain trucking business they operated. Along with farming and livestock, Arlene and Bill raised broilers for Floyd Valley Broilers for several years. Bill died Feb. 2, 1972.

Arlene later married Fred Blom on Sept. 29, 1978, at Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Hinton. Arlene and Fred made their home in Le Mars. Fred died April 11, 1989.

Later in life, Arlene worked for Westmar College for a number of years in the mid 1970s. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she had participated in Ladies Aid and Lamplighters for several years. She loved to go to dances and socialize with friends and neighbors. She enjoyed crocheting and will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor.

Survivors include her children: Ron Miller and his wife Bette of Merrill and a daughter, Pamela McVeigh of Ruston, La.; a daughter-in-law, Judy Miller of Le Mars; a sister, Mildred Drake and her husband Ed of Le Mars; nine grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; three stepchildren, Carol Freck and her husband Bill of Sutherland, Eleanor Behrens of Sheldon, and Fred Blom Jr. and his wife Brenda of Missouri Valley; several stepgrandchildren and step-great -grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; three sons, William Lee, Larry, and Dean Miller; a grandson, Nicholas Miller; and two sisters, Esther Beeck and Leona Witt.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Hinton, with the Rev. Steven Stoll officiating. Interment will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be after 3 p.m. Thursday at the Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars with the family present to greet friends after 5:30 p.m. followed by a 7 p.m. prayer service. Visitations will continue Friday morning at the church from 9:30 a.m. until service time.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Mark Miller, Curt Miller, Bill Miller, Kent Miller, Doug Miller, and Justin Miller.