Catherine H. "Cathy" Blakeman

Cathy Blakeman, age 88, of Starbuck, MN, and formerly of Glenwood, died on Monday, April 28, 2025, surrounded by her children at Glacial Trails Memory Care in Starbuck. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, May 2nd at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glenwood, with Fr. Joe Vandeberg officiating. Visitation will be at the church, one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Glenwood. Arrangements are with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Glenwood.
Catherine "Cathy" Hannah Hume, daughter of Mervin A. and Marion R. (Smisek) Hume, was born on March 20, 1937, in Starbuck, MN. She was welcomed home by her big sister, Theresa. The two sisters grew up on the family farm between Lowry and Glenwood. Cathy attended grade school in Lowry and Glenwood High School, where she graduated in 1955. Her high school years were marked by her role as a majorette for the school band, a role that showcased her energy and enthusiasm. After high school, Cathy furthered her education by attending business school in Minneapolis, where she acquired skills that would serve her well throughout her life.
On June 29, 1956, Cathy married a man whose career took the family to various cities across the United States. Together they welcomed six children into the world. Their paths later diverged, and Cathy returned to Glenwood, where she would meet her second husband, Richard "Dick" Blakeman. Cathy and Dick were united in marriage on June 7, 1969, and settled in Glenwood, where they became a family of 11 when they combined her six children, his daughter and son, and welcomed one son of their own.
Cathy and Dick were not only life partners but also business partners, owning and operating "The Village Cafe" in Glenwood for many years. The cafe became a local hub, a testament to Cathy's warmth and hospitality. Dick's involvement in horse racing brought them adventures far and wide, from the chill of Winnipeg to the warmth of Florida, with Cathy always by his side.
A woman of many talents and interests, Cathy was an active member of the Glenwood VFW Auxiliary, the Bunko Club, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glenwood. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it was a day spent golfing, a weekend camping, or the satisfaction of canning garden produce. Cathy's culinary skills were renowned, and her sewing projects were crafted with love and care.
Cathy's life was a testament to her loving, friendly, and thoughtful nature, which touched the hearts of all who knew her. She died peacefully, surrounded by her children, on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Glacial Trails Memory Care in Starbuck, where she had been a resident for the past many years.
Cathy's legacy is carried on by her adoring family, including her nine children: Cindy Schultz of East Moline, IL, Elizabeth (Michael) Weinauer of Maple Plain, Rebecca Walker of Glenwood, Catherine (Lee) Blair of Bagley, Richard (Barb) Blakeman of Glenwood, Patricia Bruzek of Alexandria, Charmayne "Charlie" (Bruce) Paumen of Glenwood, John E. (Melody) Morgan of Alexandria, and Edward Blakeman of Glenwood. She was a proud grandmother to 25 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, who will miss her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mervin and Marion Hume; her husband, Richard Blakeman; her sister, Theresa Byrd; son-in-law, Roland Bruzek; nieces Vanessa Martin and Angie Schwartz; and grandson-in-law, Josh Grinager.
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