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Norbert Blume Obituary
He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Marie Louise Buecker; son, Doug; brothers, Clem and Frank; and sisters, Mildred Kaelin and Laverne Calloway.
Norb served in the US Navy during World War II aboard the aircraft carrier USS Randolph. He was Secretary-Treasurer of the Teamster Union Local 783, Teamsters Joint Council 94 and the Kentucky Conference of Teamsters. He was a member of the Kentucky Legislature from 1963 through 1978. In 1972, he was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives where he served for six years. While in the Legislature, he introduced a bill for Fair Housing and Civil Rights which was later known as the "Blume Bill". During 1972 through 1978, he served on the Executive Board of the National Conference of State Legislators. At the same time, he served on the Governing Board of the Council of State Government. Norb ran for Congress in 1964 and 1966. He also served thirteen years on the Board of Trustees at the University of Louisville. In 2005, he was inducted in the Civil Rights Hall of Fame. In May 2011, Norb received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kentucky Assisted Living Facility Association, while living at Magnolia Springs Senior Living Center. He was a member of St. Gabriel Church, the American Civil Liberties Union and the St. Colomba Men's Club.
Survivors include his sons, Denny Blume (Kathy Keane), Ron Blume (Debbie) and Bob Blume (Joni); daughters, Diane Kline (Denis), Barbara Frerman (Rick Hilley) and Beverly Snyder (Ray); sister, Florence Bauer; brother, Jerry Blume; and sisters-in-law, Louise Blume and Carolyn Heckel. Norb was "Gramps" to his 16 grandchildren, their spouses and 16 great-grandchildren with two more on the way.
Special thanks to everyone at Magnolia Springs Senior Living Center and Oaklawn for their exceptional care.
Norb bequeathed his body to the University of Louisville. A memorial visitation will be held at Ratterman and Sons, 3800 Bardstown Road from 2-8 p.m. Friday, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m.
The memorial Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Good Shepherd Church, 3511 Rudd Avenue. Donations may be made in Norb's memory to Hosparus of Louisville.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Norbert Blume
October 10, 2011
To The Blume Family --We were so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. We will keep the family in our prayers. Your Dad was a great inspiration to me personally and I sought his advice and counsel in the Legislature and in my Union work. Whenever my work took me to the Gulf I always checked to see if any of the Louisville bunch was at the "cabin". It was always a great time for me to visit with all the old guys. Your Dad was a great host! It was our pleasure to visit with him just before his recent trip to the Gulf. He was so excited! We along with many others will remember him and your Mom forever with the fondest of memories.
Sincerely Dennis and Susan Dearing
October 10, 2011
Blume Family: What an amazing guy. His achievements have left a legacy for generations to come. I am so proud to have been related to Norb, and my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. With love,
Julie Kaelin (granddaughter of Mildred Blume)
Bev Miller
October 9, 2011
To the Blume Family, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I hope all the wonderful memories you cherish help soften the sorrow. God bless all of you.
Donna Butner Mattingly
October 9, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Blume Family. The picture here of Mr. Blume is how I will always remember him - smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. Rest in peace!
October 9, 2011
My first job in 1974 was for Teamsters Local 783. I was 21 years old and had no idea what a mentor and friend "Mr. Blume" would become to me. Norb and the entire Blume family made a huge difference in my life and my sincere sympathy and condolences go out to them. I am very sorry that I could not be there to attend his memorial. How ironic that my reason for not being in Louisville is that I am in Gulf Shores, Alabama, as Norb and his wife Marie were gracious enough to host my family at their condo in Gulf Shores many years ago. The entire family is in my thoughts and prayers. Bev, I am sure your Dad is up there organizing anything that was the least bit out of order!
Judy Smith
Bobby Hickey
October 9, 2011
To the Blume Family
May Mr. Blume find eternal rest and peace with our Heavenly Father. May the thoughts and prayers of your friends help to ease your sorrow and sustain you at this difficult time.
With Sincere Sympathy,
Charles Dittmeier
October 8, 2011
Norb Blume, as Cubmaster of Pack 198, and Marie Blume as Den Mother were probably the first two significant adults in my life outside of my family. They produced wonderful children and had significant contributions to society but I will always remember them as really important people at a really important time of my life, when I was first leaving the backyard.
Fr. Charlie Dittmeier / Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Shannon Higgins
October 8, 2011
The world is a changed place because of losing Norb. Each of us is given the gift of time on this earth, to live, learn, love and to leave a legacy. Take comfort in knowing that Norb made a true difference in so many lives. He will always be remembered as a special blessing. Expressing my heartfelt sympathy and may God bless each one of his family members. I'm sorry I was unable to pay my respects but I'm in North Carolina for the U of L game. You're all in my thoughts and prayers,
Shannon Higgins
Bill Sigler
October 8, 2011
I remember '50's Blume days at 315 S 39th Street. Doug, Denny, & I shot hoops against the garage backboard. Occasionally Mrs Blume would provide a foodling, tho generally not. (Parents did not feed others children in those days.) Later Doug, Denny, Ronny & others passed through Troop 198 We delivered newspapers together We proceeded through our time & space of love, family, routine, & Catholicism..Mr Blume provided a last link to the parents of our era My folks, Dittmeiers, Bunny's mom, earlier this year; all pass like our West End leaves of autumn.
Debby Kalbfleisch
October 8, 2011
It's a pleasure knowing the Blume gang,true UofL supporters. Grateful to Mr. Blume for his service to our country, our state and our beloved university. He raised a special family. RIP sir.
Debby K. (UL usher @ football)
Sharon and Larry Pittman
October 7, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the Blume family
October 7, 2011
chase,
we are sorry for your loss thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
Tracy and Scott Leffler
Dave Johnson
October 7, 2011
I am sorry I misspelled Mr. Blume’s last name in an earlier post. Just old eyes
Lynn Powell
October 7, 2011
My prayers are with the Blume family and friends. I last saw Mr. Blume at Gina Frerman's funeral in July 2007, at visitation at funeral home with my Dad and my brother, Gary. I saw Ray Snyder, as well, who was in my class 8 years at Our Lady's, who is married to Beverly Blume who was a childhood friend of mine. Mr. Blume and my Dad had a nice chat then, both happy to see one another but sad about Gina's passing. Mom and Dad used to go to "Norb's Place" as Dad called it, in Gulf Shores and had a blast with all of their friends. Mom died in 2001. Dad now resides at Treyton Oaks. RIP Mr. Blume. My prayers are with the Blume family and friends.
Nicole Mattingly-Ohlmann
October 7, 2011
Prayers to all the Blume Family. Seems like just yesterday all the neighborhood children were running around playing in your Gramps and Graniree's yard. Both treated us all like family.
Bill Doll
October 7, 2011
Norbert Blume was a true gentleman...someone with whom I was always comfortable....his generous, outgoing and affable nature belied the tough stances he could take when needed. He is a person I, and certainly the Commonwealth, will miss.
October 7, 2011
Ron, Beverly and Diane. . .
We enjoyed many U of L games with your dad. He was a sweet man, always fun to be around.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Tommy and Debbie Seaman
October 7, 2011
mr blume,was a friendly man who knew no strangers...he was kind to all mankind...we will all miss his smile..but we know that he and granniere are walking and smiling in no pain together....love to the blume family...........from jimmy and evelyn kneisler
David Johnson
October 7, 2011
Prayers to the Family of Norm Bloom. Thank you Mr. Bloom for being part of the Great Society those who went off to war, and saved the world. In the early seventies I had just started my career with the Louisville police Department. It was early morning and I was given an emergency run when at fourth and York I hit a car. It turned out to be a daughter, or grand daughter of norm bloom.. I was told by the older officers that my new post would be walking river road. Norm was a Class person nothing happened.
A Louisville police officer Retired
October 7, 2011
Lorne, Bryan and Emily,
I am very sorry for your loss. Your Gramps appears to have been a wonderful man. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs,
Jackie Elzey
Mora McCreary
October 7, 2011
It is a sad day for the Blume family and for anyone who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing Norb Blume. We are grateful for the opportunity we had to spend a little time with your Dad and your family while he was a resident of Magnolia Springs.
You can take comfort in knowing he is with your Mom now -- nothing would make him happier!
He and your Mom did a wonderful job raising such a loving, caring family -- they will both live on through all of you!
Sincerest sympathy from Mary Zaepfel and daughters
Susan Vrbas
October 7, 2011
I will miss the honorable Norb Blume Greatly. I was very blessed to meet him and have him as a part of Magnolia Springs. I send my prayers out to his family.
Tricia Fike
October 7, 2011
he was an AWESOME man who raised an AMAZING family. To see he'll be missed is such an understatement. Maybe he RIP with Graniree!
October 7, 2011
Bev and Family, I am so sorry to hear about your father. He was always so helpful with my grandparents, Frank and Ella Mae Bindner. When we would run into him in Frankfort, he always stopped and shared a few moments to catch up about events and people in the old neighborhood. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Vickie Dearing Volyn (Flemington, NJ)
Kenny Crow
October 7, 2011
Norb Blume was truly one of a kind. He could light up a room like no other. He made everyone feel better about themsleves for having been around his great wit and warm personality.
The Blume family has been so good to me and are responsible for much of the success my business has achieved in Gulf Shores.
My prayers and thoughts are with all the family. God bless!
Jennifer Knight
October 7, 2011
Erin,
So sorry hear of your grandfathers passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
With Love,
Jennifer
Ova Jean Benotn
October 7, 2011
Diane and Family. The last time i saw your Dad was at the final mass at St Columba, he seemed to be in very good spirits. My Dad has been gone since 1989. So sorry for your loss. May the peace of God give you comfort. Jean Greer Benton
GALE STIVERS
October 7, 2011
I worked for Norb Blume at Teamsters Local 783 for many years. He was a wonderful boss and I consider him my mentor. Both my husband and I loved him very much and feel a great loss at his passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family at this time.
Leann Miller
October 7, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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