Richard Alfred Blom

Richard Alfred Blom
May 17, 1935 - February 2, 2026

Richard "Dick" Blom, age 90, was born on May 17, 1935, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, in Burnsville, Minnesota, free from pain.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Alice Blom, and by his wife of 60 years, Darlene "Dar" Blom (née Kelm). Today, they are reunited in the presence of their Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Dick is survived by his brothers, Denny (Betty) Blom and Steven Blom; his children, David (Tanja) Blom and Debbie (Bruce) Richgels; his sister-in-law, Kathy (Dale) Voigt; his five granddaughters, Nicole (Ryan) Elmore, Michaela Blom, Ally Blom, Madi Richgels, and Molly Richgels; and many cherished members of the extended Blom family.

Dick proudly served in the United States Navy from 1953 to 1959, including two years of active duty from 1957 to 1959. He held the rank of Third Class Petty Officer and had the opportunity to see the world while serving his country.

Following his military service, Dick dedicated 33 years to Northern States Power, working as a lineman before advancing to foreman and substation switch operator. He was known for his strong work ethic, practical mindset, and steady common sense-values he passed on to his family. Upon retirement, Dick drove a school bus, delighting children with his silly songs and loud-voiced sense of humor.

Some of Dick's fondest memories were made hunting in northern Minnesota with his NSP coworkers and spending time outdoors with his family. He loved strategizing deer stand placement, golfing, and working on projects at Pathfinder Village. His determination never wavered-at age 77, he famously climbed 30 feet into a tree using pole gaffs to remove a limb, unwilling to risk it falling on a neighbor's park home.

In his younger years, Dick explored his musical side, playing trumpet in a band called The Jolly Hobos. They performed at bars, weddings, and events throughout the 1950s. This social scene is where Dick met Dar; the couple would double date alongside Dick's brother, Denny, and his sweetheart, Betty.

A devoted Christian throughout his life, Dick was an active member of Ascension Lutheran Church in Burnsville. He served as an usher, helped on the property board, and was always ready to lend a hand whenever something needed fixing.

To his family, Dick expressed love through steady presence and quiet reliability. His love was deeply felt in his hugs, forehead kisses, stories, shared time, and willingness to do whatever brought joy to those he loved. He lived by the motto "waste not, want not," valued experiences over possessions, and believed life was about connection rather than material things. Too many, he was an open history book, always ready with a story.

A funeral service will be held on February 24th at 11:00 a.m., with a family gathering beginning at 10:00 a.m., at White Funeral Home, 12804 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville, Minnesota.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the assisted living staff at Arbors at Ridges for their care during Dick's final years.

Dick will be remembered as a salt-of-the-earth man whose simple, steady life left a lasting impact on all who knew him-and on those who will come after him.