Obituaries
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Gretchen A Bloomer
Sept. 11, 1938 - May 19, 2024 - Chilton, WI
Celebration of Life
Saturday, July 6, 2024
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
2306 Calumet Drive
New Holstein, WI 53061
Gretchen A Bloomer
Chilton WI
Gretchen A. Bloomer, age 85, of Chilton, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at The Courtyard at Sussex in Sussex, Wisconsin. She was born September 11, 1938 in Fond du Lac, daughter of the late Roland & Elsie (Everix) Miller. She met the love of her life, James “Jim” Bloomer, at Chilton High School and later married on February 7, 1959 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chilton.
Gretchen cherished her family and devoted her entire life to their care and well-being.
Survivors include her husband of 65 years: Jim; her children: Andersan (Karen) Bloomer, Elizabeth (Ted) Enea, Jon Bloomer (Jan Koenig), Allison (Paul) Diedrick, Mark (Jackie) Bloomer, Kristin (Jon) Jaeck; 9 grandchildren: Katherine (Ryan), Samantha (Jeff), Thomas (Erin), Andrew, Olivia, Stella, Jordyn, Marissa, Jake; a great granddaughter: Ryla; 2 sisters-in-law: Mary Bloomer, Alice Erdman; and 1 brother-in-law: Irwin Nolan. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
While still in high school, Gretchen volunteered at the Calumet Memorial Hospital in Chilton in the nursery where she helped care for the newborn babies. Gretchen attended Business College in Green Bay. And shortly after Jim and Gretchen were married and soon started their family. While the kids were still at home, she was determined to start an apple orchard on their property overlooking Lake Winnebago. She worked many hours planting and meticousily tending to the orchard which enjoyed years of abundant fruit. Gretchen was known for delicious home cooked meals and desserts and there always a scent of baked bread or cookies in the home.
Gretchen led an active life enjoying cross-country skiing with her sisters, women’s golf league, painting and entertaining. She served on the Board of Directors of the Camp Fire Girls and supported her children’s sporting and extracurricular activities.
Gretchen lived for her family and loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She especially enjoyed meeting her first great granddaughter, Ryla when just 8 months old. Gretchen enjoyed traveling to California and South Dakota by motorhome and often spoke of the scary moments during a winter storm in the Sierra mountains. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved music, playing cards, puzzling, and dancing.
As an active and longtime member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Chilton, Gretchen volunteered countless hours with the Christian Women and the church choir. She had fashioned numerous quilts with the Christian Women, taught religious education, assisted with bake sales, and took time to decorate the church sanctuary for holidays and special occasions. Gretchen also volunteered at the nursing home in Chilton where she would visit with residents and help women with their hair.
She was preceded in death by her parents; 3 sisters: Joan (George) Bruckner, Marilyn (Robert) Nolan, Nancy Nolan; a brother: Earl “Mike” (Ina Claire) Miller; and brothers-in-law: Byron “Mike” Erdman, Edward (Carla) Bloomer.
A private Mass of Christian Burial has been held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Chilton with Rev. Jon Thorsen offciating. There is a public celebration of Gretchen's life which will be held at the Altona Supper Club in New Holstein on Saturday, July 6, 2024 between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Fore more details, please click HERE.
Condolences
My condolences and prayers are with you all during this sad time. I have many fond memories of living on State St across from you. Such great neighbors to have grown up with!!
Michele (Jodar) Genske (Neighbor, friend and babysitter of the kids) 2024-07-05 14:05:36
Jim, Kris and family. While working at your dealership, I remember some laughs with Kris. Sorry to hear about your wife and mother’s passing.
Rose Gilsdorf (Friend) 2024-07-04 09:47:54
I am sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of you mother from the State St days. The games she thought up for us to play, the snacks she brought out for us and of course the rides in the red Dune Buggy. God Bless.
Gary Friederichs (Childhood Friend of the Bloomer Kids) 2024-06-19 12:24:56
Sorry for your loss, Jim
Arlene Engler (Friend) 2024-06-08 11:28:47
Jim and the entire Bloomer Family, I am so sorry to hear of Gretchen's passing. She was such a sweetheart. Hugs and prayers to everyone.
Deb Bohn (Friend) 2024-05-29 14:45:17
Jim and Family; Please accept my most sincere condolences on the passing of wife and Mother, Gretchen.
Mark Kartheiser (Friend) 2024-05-28 21:57:20
Jim and family so sorry for your loss. Let the memories help you move on. God bless you all.
Doris Bennin (friend) 2024-05-27 22:19:14
My deepest symmpathy to the Bloomer family. I knew the family from my attendance at Chilton High School and the fact that I lived near where the apple orchard was established. Gretchen was a very special lady with great talent. Nyla (Bock) Musser
Nyla (Bock) Musser (Friend) 2024-05-27 21:02:42
My sympathy to Jim and family
Patrick Laughrin (Friend ) 2024-05-27 20:50:18
Kris sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom
Doug Woelfel (Classmate of Kris) 2024-05-27 14:11:34
Jim and family you have my sythathy
Patrick laughrin (Friend ) 2024-05-27 13:27:44
Jon, I’m sorry to hear about this. One of the things that it’s great is growing up in a small town like we did, is you know a lot of people. And yes my family knows your family and you and I were teammates.
Pete Forstner (Friend) 2024-05-26 18:01:56
Jim and family, My deepest condolences from Alaska.its been nearly 50 years since we made our trip together up the Alaska Highway in January. I remember you standing on Pink Mountain mile 143, we were broke down in the middle of the night, full moon about 45 below and you said. I gotta get out of here, I need to get home to my wife Gretchen. She was a great wife and friend to you. And so so pleasant and supportive to me. Love, Peace , God Bless you John Klapperich Wasilla, AK
John Klapperich (Family friend) 2024-05-26 09:01:19
My condolences to your family for your loss.
Pat Laughrin (Long time friend) 2024-05-25 13:14:37
Our sympathies to Jim and family. I will always remember Gretchen's sweet voice over the phone. May God bless you.
Jerry Ott (Friend) 2024-05-25 11:12:16
Jim, My sincere condolences to you and your family. It certainly has been a well rounded lifetime. Take care Jim.
John rozman (Friend ) 2024-05-25 09:44:48
We are so sorry to hear of Gretchen's passing. Know that you and your family are in our prayers. We will miss our visits and your friendship. God bless you all.
Ken & Sandy Weber (Friend) 2024-05-25 06:30:18
Condolence to the family. Remember so much fun as kids at your house Gretchen was always a sweetheart. It was nice to see her when she visit her sister Joan at century ridge. Lots of great memories
Sue schmidlkofer (Friends) 2024-05-24 12:43:23
Dear Jim and Family, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. You both were so kind to me when I came to Chilton when I married Dave. I am so thankful for your friendship. She will be missed by so many people of this community. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Alexandria Salm (Friend ) 2024-05-23 22:23:34
We’re so sorry to hear of the loss of Gretchen. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. ???? Steve & Sally Brandt
Sally Brandt (Aunt to Mark & Jackie Bloomer) 2024-05-23 16:23:43
Bloomer family, heartfelt sympathy to all of you. My memories of Gretchen are all good.
Kris (Connors) Hansen (Friend) 2024-05-23 15:22:17
Our sincere sympathy in the loss of your wife. Blessings to you & your family in this difficult time & always.
Tom & LuAnn Buechel (Cousin to Jim) 2024-05-23 07:26:52
To Jim and family. So sorry to hear of Gretchens passing. May all your good memories help get you all through this difficult time.
Richard Riesterer (long time friend and employee) 2024-05-22 22:34:36
Sending prayers and hugs to all of Gretchen's family. Such a thoughtful and lovely person. Great memories.
Rog & Linda Meyers (Neighbor & friend) 2024-05-22 10:56:34
so sorry Jim and family hearing of your loss. Gretchen was a true friend in high school and later as she was a bridesmaid at our wedding.
Mary Binsfeld (classmate/friend) 2024-05-22 10:10:28
I'm so sorry. I have so many fond memories of Mrs. Bloomer - from family ski vacations to Camp Fire Girls. Chilton was a great place to grow up because of parents like Mrs. Bloomer. Sending prayers and hugs.
Pat Engler-Parish (family friend) 2024-05-22 09:31:44
I'm so sorry. I have so many fond memories of Mrs. Bloomer - from family ski vacations to Camp Fire Girls. Chilton was a great place to grow up because of parents like Mrs. Bloomer. Sending prayers and hugs.
Pat Engler-Parish (family friend) 2024-05-22 09:26:41
I have fond memories of visiting your home in the Chilton countryside as a high schooler, enjoying the tennis courts, and your cozy home with smells of cinnamon. Gretchen was so welcoming, understanding and kind to everyone. Sending all the love and light you need during this difficult time.????????????????
Ellen (Propson) Kane (Friend ) 2024-05-21 23:34:57
Jim & family, sorry to hear about the passing of Gretchen. Truly, a nice and kind lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike & Lin Bruckner (Friend ) 2024-05-21 22:01:44
I am so sorry to hear about Gretchen passing. I remember her being so very nice and her making treats in her kitchen. The family is in my thoughts.
Jennifer (Schaff) Sucharski (Relative) 2024-05-21 19:17:13
So sorry to hear of Auntie Gretchen's passing. She was a special person and I always enjoyed talking with her. May God bless your family through these difficult times.
Jim Bruckner (Nephew ) 2024-05-21 17:24:52
Jim and family. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve heard lovely stories about Gretchen over the years. She was very loved. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Kristi
Kristi Forbes (Friend of Jackie Bloomer) 2024-05-21 11:49:51
Amazing friend and neighbor of over15 years.She taught me how to bake bread,showed and taught me her amazing painting skills. Loved working with her in her flower beds. You will be missed dear friend.
Lynn Geurts (Friend and neighbor) 2024-05-21 10:44:31
Jim and Family I'm sorry to hear Gretchen passed. Praying for Peace and comfort for you all in this time. Love you guys!!!
Mike Connors (Friend) 2024-05-21 09:50:57
Extending my sympathy to Jim and family. Always enjoyed spending time with Gretchen throughout the years. She will be missed by all who knew her. Prayers and thoughts are with her family. Cherish the memories!
Mary Ronk (Friend/classmate) 2024-05-20 19:48:20
Jim n family...Gretchen was a true lady...got to know her through my mom...Marion Parker. Her smile lit up all her knew her. Prayers coming your way.
Mary Parker Geier (Friend) 2024-05-20 17:53:35
So sorry to hear of Gretchen's passing.she was a lovely women and will be missed.our family will keep your family in our prayers and thoughts.What a good neighbor we had. .
Gene,colleen £ nneper and family (Neighbors) 2024-05-20 16:27:17
Our sympathy to the Jim Bloomer family.I enjoyed Gretchen while we painted and an occasional glass of wine. Made the paint flow good.RIP dear friend.
Alice Connors (Friend) 2024-05-20 16:26:43
Jim and family,So very sorry for the loss of your beautiful and mother.Love&Prayers.
Ruth Thede (Friend) 2024-05-20 15:37:21
Jim, I’m so sorry to hear this news. Jan and I have you and your family in our prayers. I hope your loss can be tempered by the many years of happiness you two have enjoyed. Please know that we are thinking of you! Bob and Jan.
Bob Miller (Friend) 2024-05-20 13:28:48
My mom sends her best wishes to the family. Flo so enjoyed spending time with Gretchen. They had a lot of fun together from working at Kay-Tee to exchanging ideas for art projects! Gretchen's zest for life was contagious.
Robert Schlaefer (friend) 2024-05-20 13:12:30
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