Donald Carl Blom

Donald Carl Blom passed away peacefully into the arms of our Lord on September 14, 2025, surrounded by family. He was 91 years old. He was a strong man of faith and worked hard to provide for the family he loved and raised with his wife to whom he was very devoted to. He was born in Otley. lowa on February 21, 1934. After graduating high school he enlisted into the Army National Guard for 2 ½ years. Upon finishing his duties with the Army National Guard he joined the United States Airforce and was stationed at Castle Airforce Base in Merced. While stationed here, a fellow service man took Don to church in Ripon where he met his beautiful wife Donna Rylaarsdam. After the USAF, he worked at Johns Manville in Stockton for 25 years and for the Manteca Unified School District in the Maintenance and Operations Department where he retired after 13 years. Don was a proud veteran who devoted his time after retirement as a docent at the Veterans Museum in Ripon and spending time donating his time back at Castle Airforce Base where he involved himself with restoring aircrafts and other military projects. He was a devout member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Ripon for 68 years, working as a deacon, elder and member of the Seniors Society. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Donna (Rylaarsdam) Blom, 3 children, Jeff Blom (Juliet) of Modesto, Leslie Byrne (David) of Stockton and Robin Aufdermaur (Carl) of Escalon. 5 grandchildren, Carl Audermaur, Kaylan Baptista (Jordan), Vincent Aufdermaur (Krista), Michael Byrne (Layney) and Megan Jardine (Trevor) along with 6 great grandchildren, Genevieve Baptista, Luca and Lily Aufdermaur, Weston and Bennett Byrne and Ada Jardine. He is also survived by his sister Ruth Van Manaan (Leroy) of lowa. Don's kindness, generosity, and love for his family will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. A private graveside service will be held for Don