Wana Rae Gardner Bloom, 63, passed away peacefully at her home near Parker on Jan. 7, 2010, following a long battle with cancer.
Wana was born April 5, 1946, in Rexburg, the daughter of John Anthony "Dip" Gardner and Crystal Josephson Gardner. She grew up in St. Anthony attending Central Elementary, South Fremont Junior and Senior high schools and one year at Idaho State University.
She married Wendell LaMar Bloom on Oct. 1, 1965, in the St. Anthony 3rd and 4th LDS Ward Church. The marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS temple in 1993. They first lived in St. Anthony, moving to Parker in 1974, where they have since resided.
Wana served faithfully in many stake and ward positions in the church. She worked as a secretary for the South Fremont School District for more than 20 years, developing wonderful friendships with Chester Peterson, Regina Miller and many others. She loved gardening and reading, but most of all, spending time with her family.
Wana was a truly selfless person, always putting the needs of others above her own. She was a beloved of her family and will be greatly missed by all who know her.
She is survived by her husband, Wendell of Parker; children Brooke (Corey) Richards of Franklin, Kristin (Derek) Fullmer and Jill (Quinten) Hathaway, both of St. Anthony, Halli (Joe) Bernal of Westampton, N.J., and Brett (Danilee) Bloom of Preston; her parents, Anthony and Crystal Gardner of St. Anthony; siblings Sharla Galbraith of Idaho Falls, Kim Gardner of Orem, Utah, Toni (Jon) Crapo of St. Anthony, Kristine (Mike) Sturm of Ashton and Konie Pipes, Rigby; and 14 grandchildren with another expected in April. She was preceded in death by her grandparents and a sister in law, Vickie Gardner.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, at noon in the Parker LDS church with Bishop Doug Hanks officiating. Friends may call at the Parker church Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. and again Monday from 10:30 until 11:30 a.m. just prior to the services. Burial will be in the Parker Cemetery under the direction of the Bidwell Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.bidwellfuneralhome.com.

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Published by Rexburg Standard Journal on Jan. 9, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Wana Bloom

9 Entries

Bruce Snow

January 21, 2010

We send our condolences to the family. Growing up and being associated with Wana in her youth was a wonderful experience. I also have great appreciation for her Mom and Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Keith and Colleen Passey

January 20, 2010

We were so sorry to hear about your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

January 16, 2010

We feel fortunate to have had such an honorable woman working with our children. Our children were so lucky to have been students at South Fremont Junior High while Wana and Chester served. She made our community a better place to live.

Gary and Judy Eckman
Kimberly, Anthony, Alexander, and Zachary

Shantel Kimpton

January 13, 2010

I did not know Wana personally, but I do know her sweet daughter very well. And in knowing Brooke, I know Wana must have been a fine, fine lady. She raised a very wonderful, loving,and selfless daughter. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family at this time. We sure love you! May God be with you and comfort you until you see your mom again.

Connie Parker

January 11, 2010

I thought the world of Wana and very much enjoyed my association with her when working at the Jr High she will definately be missed.
My Daughters each express their love and appreication for her. May the Lord be with you and give you comfort at this time.
Connie Parker
Daughters Brenna, Cassie, Jessica and Brooke

Jo Jergensen Mason

January 10, 2010

I have completely lost track of Wana over the years but I have not forgotten the friendship we had for many years. I wish I had talked to her and seen her over the last 45 years as the only glimpse I have into her life is the obituary, which helped me remember her family and let me know of her children. She was a wonderful, smart, considerate friend and I'm sure the years just made her better. My thoughts are with your family and I wish I could be at the funeral to pay respects that should have been paid in life. Jo Jergensen Mason

Larry Fowler

January 9, 2010

Sorry for your loss.. God Bless you and your family.
Larry and La Rue (Jeffs) Fowler

Brandie

January 9, 2010

Wanna, you will be greatly missed. Thank you for all the times you shot the breeze with me in your office. You mean the world to me and Drex.

Lorraine Steel

January 9, 2010

There are not many words that can bring you comfort at this time, but with your FAITH you will endure the pain. I can promise you that PEACE and COMFORT will come to each one of you.

My heart is sad for you this day and the coming weeks ahead. Please know your in my thoughts and prayers, and hope that helps in some small way.

Wish I were able to be with you Monday, you will be in my heart.

Love Lorraine Steel

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