Bloem, Delko, 1888-1940

BLOEM, LOWIES, GROOTES

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/18/2022 at 21:24:34

From the Rock Valley Bee, October 4, 1940:

Death of Delko Bloem Saddens All—Was Rock Valley Man

Rock Valley friends and relatives were shocked to learn Monday morning of the death on Sunday afternoon of Delko Bloem, well known Sioux City banker, who passed away from heart disease at his home in that city, 3421 Virginia Street.

Mr. Bloem, who was 52 years of age, was a remarkable self-made man. Without the benefit of schooling beyond the 6th grade, by hard work and self-education he worked up to the position of vice-president of the Security National Bank of Sioux City, one of the largest banks in this section of the state.

He left school at an early age to make his way in the world, starting as a clerk in the First National Bank here and from then on his advancement was rapid. He was one of a regular series of Rock Valley men who made good in banking fields elsewhere, such as John J. Large, S. A. Mitchell, Fred Pylman and others. Mr. Bloem was admirably adapted to banking as a profession, and his judgment was highly respected. He was also an effective and interesting speaker.

Funeral services were held Wednesday at the First Methodist church in Sioux City at one p.m., and interment took place at Valley View cemetery here.

He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Marie Bloem, and by two sons, Robert of Chicago and Delmar, a student at Iowa State college, Ames. Three of his sisters live in Sioux county—Mrs. Garrett Ver Muelen and Mrs. John Van Geest, both of Rock Valley; and Mrs. Herman Vander Well of Maurice. A brother, Herman Bloem, lives at [blurred].

[Born in] 1888 [in] the Netherlands, he came with his parents to Sioux county when only a few months of age. The family settled at Rock Valley where he grew to young manhood and became a student of banking under those efficient teachers—the Large brothers. He left here to assume a banking position in Sioux City 15 years ago.

Mr. Bloem had been urged by his physician for some time to retire from business on account of his health and he had been receiving treatment for heart disease for some time.

In his death Northwest Iowa loses a tireless worker, an admirable character for Mr. Bloem was an asset of the highest order. His wide acquaintance and sound judgment made him a tower of strength to the large bank with which he was affiliated. Relatives have the heartfelt sympathy of lifelong friends in this city and many other communities throughout this section.

[The obituary includes a photograph.]

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From the Sioux City Journal, September 30, 1940:

SECURITY BANK OFFICIAL DIES
Delko Bloem Succumbs Soon After Being Found in Home

Delko Bloem, 52, a vice president of the Security National bank since its reorganization, died Sunday afternoon shortly after he was found unconscious in the kitchen of his home, 3421 Virginia street, police said, by his widow, Mrs. Marie Bloem.

The exact cause of death had not been determined Sunday night but two theories were advanced—heart disease and asphyxiation by escaping illuminating gas. A police surgeon, who was called, said both may have contributed to cause death.

The family physician, who stated he believed death resulted from a heart malady, said the bank official had been receiving treatment for heart disease for some time. The physician said he urged Mr. Bloem to retire from business more than a year ago.

The widow, according to Police Capt. Leo Perleth, described the scene as accidental and said she found her husband sitting unconscious at a table in the kitchen when she returned home. Capt. Perleth, who was assisted in the investigation by Patrolman Art Nelson and Earl Casey, said there were gas fumes in the house when they arrived, but that they found no burners on. The family physician said that Mr. Bloem had made a cup of coffee which was spilled on the table where he was found slumped.

Members of the fire department inhalator squad worked over the still warm body of Mr. Bloem for 12 minutes before the police surgeon, who had administered a hypodermic stimulant, pronounced the man dead.

Mr. Bloem’s banking career included 11 years with the Toy National bank chain, for which he began working before coming to Sioux City from Rock Valley, 15 years ago. Born February 21, 1888, in The Netherlands, Mr. Bloem moved when only a few months old, with his parents to Sioux county, Ia. He was a member of the First Methodist church and the Kiwanis club here.

Surviving, besides the widow, are two sons, Robert of Chicago and Delmar, a student at Iowa State college at Ames; a brother, Herman Bloem of Elyria, O., and three sisters, Mrs. Garrett Ver Meulen and Mrs. John Van Geest, both of Rock Valley, and Mrs. Herman Vander Well of Maurice, Ia.

The body was taken to the Nelson-Berger funeral home.

[The obituary includes a photograph.]

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RESEARCH NOTES

His death certificate (informant Marie Bloem) adds his parents, Danial Bloem and Fenje Loies; died at 4 p.m. September 29, 1940; cause, “illuminating gas asphyxiation,” duration about 30-60 minutes, due to escaping gas from kitchen stove.

His FindaGrave.com page shows him born 21 Feb 1888 in Westerlee, Oldambt Municipality, Groningen, Netherlands; parents Daniel Bloem (1862-1931) and Fenje Louis Bloem (1865-1917); siblings Tjardewee Everdina Bloem Ver Meulen (1889-1951), Anna Bloem Van Geest (1897-2001), Herman Bloem (1900-1956), and Everdina Bloem Vander Well (1902-1977); wife Marie Grootes Bloem (1889-1971); one son listed, Robert William Bloem (1916-1985). There is a photo of his headstone.

WieWasWie.nl has a birth index record for Hilko Bloem, born 21 Feb 1888 in Westerlee gem. Scheemda, Groningen; parents Daniel Bloem, age 25, a laborer, and Fenje Lowies.

The 1900 U.S. census for Rock Valley shows him as Delpho Bloom (12), living with his parents Dan (38) a farm laborer, and Fannie (34), sisters Chasta (11) and Anna (4), and brother Evert (6). They immigrated in 1889 and Dan is naturalized.

In 1910 (age 22), still living at home, he is working as a bank clerk. In 1920 and 1930, he and his family are living in Sioux City, where he is working as a bank cashier; he was naturalized in 1916. However, his son Delmar was born ca. 1922 in South Dakota. In 1940 he is vice president, National Bank.

The Sioux County marriage register for 1913/1914 has groom Delko Bloem, age 26, resident of Sheldon, Iowa, a banker, born in Westerlee Prov., Groningen, parents Daniel Bloem and Teuna Louis; bride Marie Grootes, age 25, resident of Rock Valley, born in Orange City, parents Peter Dick Grootes and Geziena Aleida Brinkhuis[?]; married in Rock Valley; no marriage date given, but registered August 25, 1913.

His World War I draft registration form (June 1917) shows him as a resident of Akron, Iowa, assistant cashier of First National Bank, born in Westerlee, Netherlands, naturalized, claiming exemption due to wife and dependent child; medium height and build, grey eyes, brown hair.