Alvin Arthur Blom, 92, Luverne, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, at the Sanford Hospice Cottage in Luverne.
A funeral service will be Thursday, Jan. 12, at 10:30 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m., at the American Reformed Church in Luverne. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.
Alvin Arthur Blom was born on Oct. 27, 1930, to Chris and Josie (Westenberg) Blom in Leota. He was baptized in 1930 and confirmed on Dec. 6, 1948, both at the Bethel Reformed Church in Leota. He was raised on the family farm east of Leota and attended country school through the eighth grade.
In 1952 Alvin was drafted into the United States Marines. On June 20, 1952, he married Gladys Van Essen at the Naval Chapel in Bremerton, Washington. The couple made their home in Bremerton until 1954 when Alvin was honorably discharged.
The couple moved back to Leota where Alvin began farming. In 1964 they began a dry cleaning business in Edgerton, which they operated until 1976 when they moved their business to Luverne. They continued to operate the business until their retirement in 1995.
In retirement Alvin and Gladys both remained very active within the community. Gladys died on July 24, 2018.
Alvin was a member of the American Reformed Church in Luverne. He held the offices of elder and deacon. Alvin enjoyed camping and annual summer road trips to California to visit family.
Throughout his life, Alvin worked alongside his wife, Gladys. They knew the value of hard work and enjoyed the relationships made through their work and being able to help others.
Alvin is survived by his three children, Glenda (Arlyn) Hofland of Sioux City, Iowa, Rhonda (David) Wynia of Luverne, and Terry Blom of San Antonio, Texas; 19 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; siblings Glenn (Geraldine) Blom of Leota, Caroline (Frank) Vander Woude of Chandler, and Earl (Marsha) Blom of Luverne; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys; his parents; brothers Dick (Pauline) Blom and Don (Lois) Blom; and a great-grandson, Jason Hofland.
Arrangements are provided by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, hartquistfuneral.com.
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