Daniel James Bloom

Daniel James Bloom, 82, of Spalding, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Brookstone Acres in Columbus, Nebraska, surrounded by the care and comfort of those who loved him.

In memory of Dan, the family invites you to an Open House Celebration at Dan and Karen's Building, 310 W. James St., Spalding, NE 5-8 pm, Jan. 8th, Jan. 9th, and Jan. 10th Cremation services have been entrusted to Levander Funeral Home of Spalding.

Levander Funeral Home of Spalding, NE is in charge of the arrangements.

Daniel was born on January 26, 1943, in Spalding, Nebraska, to Matt Bloom and Esther (Kleffner) Bloom. He grew up in Spalding and graduated from Spalding Academy, where he formed lifelong roots in the community he would call home for nearly his entire life.

On October 5, 1963, Daniel was united in marriage to the love of his life, Karen Carraher, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spalding. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work, raising six children and sharing over six decades of memories.

In 1966, Daniel proudly served his country by joining the United States Army. He served until 1969, including time stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Following his honorable discharge, Daniel and Karen returned to the family farm east of Spalding, where Daniel farmed for several years-work he deeply loved and took great pride in. After retiring from farming, he moved into Spalding and worked for the Spalding CO-OP until his full retirement.

Daniel was a devoted member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, the Men's Club, and was an active and proud member of the American Legion in Spalding. He found joy in many simple pleasures: watching sports-especially cheering on his children and grandchildren-farming, playing golf when he was able, and watching mud drags. In later years, he cherished time spent with his family, tinkering in his garage, tending his garden, watching TV westerns, and enjoying his favorite beverage, a cold Bud Light.

Above all else, Daniel will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. His steady presence, quiet humor, and dedication to family will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Daniel is survived by his wife, Karen Bloom of Spalding, Nebraska; his brothers, Larry Bloom (friend Gail) of Spalding, Nebraska; Greg (Linda) Bloom of Casper, Wyoming; and Terry (Jennifer) Bloom of Schuyler, Nebraska; his sons, Mark (Julie) Bloom of Primrose, Nebraska; Denny (Allison) Bloom of Spalding, Nebraska; David (Jody) Bloom of Spalding, Nebraska; and Patrick "Buck" (Mellissa) Bloom of Spalding, Nebraska; his daughters, Molly (Kurt) Cloeter of Columbus, Nebraska, and Maggie (John) O'Neil of Ogallala, Nebraska; 18 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Matt and Esther Bloom; his children, Paul and Patricia; and his sister-in-law, Janice Bloom.