Ida Diane Havel Bleiman, 92, passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2011, after a short illness. Ida was born on December 6, 1918, in Wahiawa, Hawaii. A 54-year resident of Atwater, CA, she recently relocated to Panama City to live with her son. During her rich lifetime, she was active and involved in numerous civic projects and organizations, to include President of the Modesto Gold Star Mothers, DAV, Atwater Historical Society and Bloss House, and was involved in numerous other charities in the Merced/Atwater area. She also was an active line dancer. Her Atwater home was always open to friends and family, and seemed to be "the" place for all the kids to gather. Her proudest moments were that she was a Pearl Harbor survivor and raised four wonderful children. She loved to travel and spent her retirement years meeting and making new friends in exotic places. Ida never met a stranger. She leaves behind many friends and relatives.

She is survived by one son: Gerald W. Havel and wife Faye of Panama City; one daughter: Abbygail Sue Havel and husband Stephen of Paso Robles, CA; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson, who live in CA, TX, and FL.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Joseph and Julia Decoite Teves; two husbands: Joe C. Havel, Jr., and Jack I. Bleiman: two sons; Joe C. Havel III and Richard Thomas Havel; a sister: Alyce Dillard: and a brother: Alex Teves.

A mass service will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at St. Dominic's Catholic Church in Panama City, FL, with Father Kevin McQuone officiating. At her request, she will be cremated and interred in Winton Cemetery with her sons and husbands.

Those wishing to extend a word of Condolence may do so at www.heritagefhllc.com.

[Merced Sun Star (California), April 5, 2011]