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obit from Harlan, IA Newspaper:

Marie J. Blum, 86
June 27, 1916 ~ Aug. 20, 2002

WESTPHALIA ~ Marie Josephine Blum was born to Anna (Schwarte) and Benedict Blum June 27, 1916, on a farm near Westphalia, one of 14 children in the family. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Boniface Catholic Church and received her education at St. Boniface Catholic School in Westphalia. She lived and worked on the family farm until moving to Westphalia with her mother in 1949. She then was employed as housekeeper and childcare provider for various families in the Westphalia area. Employed by Msgr. Schwarte as his housekeeper while he was assigned to Portsmouth, she later cleaned for him in Council Bluffs and Earling. When Msgr. Schwarte left Earling, she remained as the priest's housekeeper for eight years. In 1983, she returned to her home in Westphalia where she resided until 1995, when she moved to Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan. She was a lifelong member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia, and was a member of Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court of St. Katherine No. 266 of Earling. She created candles for baptisms and weddings. Marie taught others the art of candle making. Aug. 20, 2002, she died at Elm Crest Retirement Community at age 86 years, one month and 24 days.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Frank, Herman, Brother George and William Blum and sisters, Kate Schiltz, Sister Hermanita Blum FSPA, Antionette Kenkel, Sister Georgianna Blum FSPA, Corrine Bissen, Anna Blum, Sister Rose Blum FSPA and Sister Marie Ann Blum FSPA.

She is survived by 1 brother; nieces and nephews and other relatives.

Mass of Christian Burial
Aug. 24, 2002 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia.

Burial was in the St. Boniface Cemetery in Westphalia.

Pauley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

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