Mark Fredrick Blum

1937 - 2017

Mark Frederick Blum
1937 - 2017
After 80 years of navigating around the earth Mark needed no instruments to find his way home to heaven. Like all good pilots, Mark flew West on his last flight February 19, 2017.
Mark was born January 25, 1937 to Ruth Henkelmann and Henry Blum in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was the older brother and best friend to his sister, Gretchen, his entire life.
Mark always enjoyed learning and in 1951, at age 14, obtained his Eagle Scout. The skills he learned from scouting he carried with him his entire life. He attended the University of Nebraska, finishing in 3 years with a double major in German and Anthropology. Next, he headed for Omaha, Nebraska where he attended medical school. A surgical residency followed in Chicago. Mark always said "finishing school was Vietnam". Drafted into the Army one day after his residency ended, he worked as a general/thoracic surgeon in 3 different MASH units. He completed his tour of duty at Ft. Carson in Colorado Springs. After military service, he set up a private practice in Colorado Springs for 20 years.
He continued to work as a surgeon until his retirement in 2007.
As a young man, Mark learned to fly acquiring his private pilot's license at age 18. Using the GI Bill, he received his commercial certificate in 1969, followed by multi-engine rating the same year. Mark flew a Pitts Special Aerobatic plane and competed in aerobatic competitions. But perhaps his favorite flying took place when he moved to Ketchikan, Alaska and flew a float plane. Flying into the Misty Fjords always remained one of his fondest memories.
Mark loved to read, particularly history, but anything was fair game. Before Google there was Mark. He took art lessons while living in Chicago, which allowed him to enjoy painting the rest of his life. A hunter and fisherman from the time he was young, using his bamboo fly rod he bought at age 12 his entire life.
Mark married Janet in May, 1990 in Ketchikan, Alaska. Mark would say, "I'm luckier than anyone to share my life with the love of my life". Together they enjoyed many adventures and travel experiences. Africa was a favorite destination, but their last trip was to Jordon & Syria. Lands oozing with history and religious mana . . . it was, perhaps the favorite of all.
Mark is survived by his wife, Janet; sister, Gretchen; sons from a previous marriage, Matthew (Valerie) and Eric (Angie); grandchildren, Marissa, Maya and Reade, who will undoubtedly carry the Blum gene for learning and adventure.
Mark is also survived by his faithful friends, Ivanushka Cat (who is lonely without his friend) and honorary brother, Gary Zollinger. "Thank you, Gary, you were a great wingman".
A viewing will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2017 at Summers Funeral Home, Ustick Chapel from 4-6 PM. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 27, 2017 at 11:00 am at Summers Funeral Home, Ustick Chapel.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Mark's name to Caring Hearts and Hands of Hope at www.caringheartsandhandsofhope.org
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Mark's memorial webpage at www.summersfuneral.com