Obituary of Larry E. Blom

Larry, 75, went home to be with his Lord and beloved wife Elouise on Tuesday, August 30, 2011, at Skiff Hospice, Monarch Wing in Newton. Private Family graveside and interment services for Larry, were held at the Newton Union Cemetery. Pence~Reese Funeral Home in Newton, have been entrusted with the arrangements. Rev. Merle Smith, Chaplain at Skiff Medical Center, conducting the services. In lieu of flowers memorials in Larry's name are being designated, Monarch Wing at Skiff Hospice. Larry E. Blom, the son of Everett and Kathern (Coffman) Blom, was born May 14, 1936, in Newton. He was a graduate of the Newton Senior High, class of 1955. Larry had served his country with the US Army, 1958 - 1960. He was employed by the State of Iowa Department of Education for 33 years as a Computer Technician, retiring in 1997. On June 29, 1957, Larry was united in marriage with Elouise Gregory at the Kellogg Christian Church. He devoted his life to his family as a good husband, father and grandfather, and enjoyed family get-to-gathers and his son's and grandchildren's sporting events. He was a Past Master of Newton Masonic Lodge #59 AF&AM, Past Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elk Lodge #1270, a member of Za-Ga-Zig Shrine, Jasper County Shrine, Jasper County Jokers, KCCH in Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, Des Moines High Twelve Club #4, served on the Scottish Rite Sound Committee, Mount Olivet White Shrine and the Des Moines White Shrine. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Elouise on Nov. 6, 2007; sister Ruth Custard in 2007; brother-in-law Richard "Dick" Custard in 2004; and a sister Louise Nearmyer in 2009. Those left to honor Larry's memory include his sons Larry Blom Jr. of Newton and Gregory (Tamra) Blom of Newton; grandchildren Brady, Brandon, Adyson and Jeff; third son Jeff Snook of Newton; and brother-in-law Loren Nearmyer of Newton.