Photo courtesy of Rexwinkel Funeral Home - Le Mars
Jan 26, 1932 - Jul 16, 2025
To all of Morrie’s siblings and in-laws, my deepest condolences. I always thought he was a good and honorable man. He will be missed. Mike Reilly, son of Don and Doris Reilly
Mike Reilly
July 27, 2025 | Hawthorn Woods, IL | Friend
My condolences to the family. I always enjoyed visiting and playing cards with him and Bonnie.
Linda Kathol
July 18, 2025 | Brooksville, FL | Friend
Morrie was a very good pitcher and athlete. I played high school basketball and baseball against him and then caught him when we played amateur for LeMars Boosters and Merrill pickup teams. Quiet spoken, nice guy.
Don Paulin
July 18, 2025 | Cumming, IA | Acquaintance
With deep sympathy to the families for
Morrie Blum. I can remember his retirement from Booth Fisheries so happy. Oh hard to write what I want but tears are stopping. We loved you Morrie in every time we saw you. So sorry for your loss. Dewayne and Julie Juelfs
Julie Juelfs
July 17, 2025 | Merrill, IA | Friend
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. I really enjoyed playing five card pinochle with Morrie in Yuma and visiting with him. I remember the days in Merrill every time I walked by his home - he and Bonnie would wave at me every time and always wonderful to talk to! They are together again - Rest in Peace dear man - a fine and faithful servant! God Bless you all!
Laurie Scheitler
July 17, 2025 | Henderson, NV | Friend
Bonnie and Morrie were our parents dearest friends. For me and my five siblings, they were like part of the family. The four of them are now reunited. I’m pretty sure Mom had a pinochle deck shuffled and waiting. Rest in eternal peace Morrie
Stan Dickman
July 17, 2025 | Spearfish, SD | Friend
We will miss Morrie, enjoyed all the Sunday breakfasts we had with him. Always had bright look on life, was always ready to have a funny remark on any conversation that was discussed. Sorry for your loss. RIP Morrie
Bob & Patty Orban
July 17, 2025 | Le Mars, IA | Friend
Maurice ‘Morrie’ Blum, 93, of Merrill, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at his home in Merrill.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church – Ellendale, rural Merrill, Iowa. Father Doug Klein will celebrate Mass. Burial with military honors provided by the Oleson-Halwig American Legion Post 125 of Merrill will be at Hillside Cemetery in Merrill. Visitation with the family present will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars. There will be a Scriptural Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. Arrangements are with the Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.
Maurice Raymond Blum, the son of Francis and Frances (Ludwig) Blum, was born on January 26, 1932, in Akron, Iowa. He attended school in Merrill and graduated from Merrill High School. He was drafted into the United States Army on February 12, 1953. He served his country during the end of the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He was honorably discharged on January 13, 1955.
He was united in marriage to Bonnie Vanderloo on May 2, 1953, in Lawton, Oklahoma, while he was in basic training.
After returning from the service, the couple made their home in Merrill. He worked in Sioux City at several food service places in sales. He also worked for Booth-Fisher for many years. He then delivered food for the Sioux City Community Schools until his retirement in 1992. After retirement, Morrie worked as an election official for Plymouth County for several years. Bonnie passed away on August 8, 2020.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church – Ellendale, rural Merrill, Iowa. He was also an active member of the Oleson-Halwig American Legion Post 125 and the Merrill Lion’s Club. Over the years, he enjoyed traveling, golfing, watching and attending many sporting events, walking, playing cards, golfing, and gardening. He and Bonnie enjoyed wintering in Yuma, Arizona for many years. Morrie was honored to visit Washington, D.C. in September of 2019 through the Midwest Honor Flight program for veterans.
Survivors include his siblings: Audrey Kennedy of Sioux City, IA, and Jeanette Wankum-Spies of Merrill, IA; his in laws: Curt (Marlene) Vanderloo of Merrill, IA, Glenda Donlin of Merrill, IA, Norma Vanderloo of Waterloo, IA, Carol Vanderloo of Merrill, IA, Wendel Blankenburg of Norwalk, IA, and Pat Vanderloo of Sioux City, IA; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bonnie Blum; his brother, Marvin Blum; and his in laws: Virgil Vanderloo, Don Donlin, Dick Spies, Jerry Kennedy, Keith Vanderloo, Rich Vanderloo, Janice Blankenburg, and Stanley (Geraldine) Vanderloo.
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