Wilma A. Blum

GLEN HAVEN - Wilma Ann Blum, age 94, passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Lancaster Health Services in Lancaster. She was born on September 8, 1929, in Glen Haven, WI, to George and Katherine (Berntgen) Esser. She was the youngest of four children, joining her older brother, Russell Esser, and her sisters, Eunice Petterson and Lavon Scott.

Wilma graduated from Bloomington High School. On February 18, 1950, she was united in marriage to Mark Blum. Together, they made their home on a dairy farm in Glen Haven Township, where they raised their three sons—David, Randy, and Steve—and their two daughters, Stacey and Sherry. Mark and Wilma celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary in Hawaii with a dinner cruise and a nice dance.

In the 1980s, Wilma worked at Schurman’s Cheese Factory, but she fondly remembered her early years spent detasseling corn at Pride Seed Corn. Wilma was known for her kindness and generosity, always willing to help those in need. She enjoyed working in her garden, hunting for asparagus, and gathering watercress from the spring. An avid reader, she also delighted in doing Word Search puzzles. She was also skilled in quilt making and canning. For over 50 years, she was an active member of the Mothers Society at St. Mary’s and had a lifelong devotion to praying the Rosary.

In addition to her parents and her husband of 54 years Mark Blum, Wilma was preceded in death by her brother Russell Esser, and her sisters Eunice Petterson and Lavon Scott. 

She is survived by her five children: David Blum (Lea), Randy Blum (Sun), Steve Blum, Stacey Gunnip, and Sherry Johll (Larry). Her legacy also includes eleven grandchildren: Jennifer, Jody, and Shonda, Meyoung Wolfe, Mark Blum, and Luke Blum, Justin Gunnip, Jill Gunnip, and Paul Gunnip, Shannon Johll and Brandon Johll. She is also remembered by many great-grandchildren.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial in her honor will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Glen Haven, WI with Father Sudhakar Devarapu officiating. Burial will be in Gockel Cemetery, Glen Haven. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the times of services. A rosary will be prayed at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. Following the graveside service, family and friends are invited to gather for a meal in the church basement. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Bloomington is assisting the family.