Walter J. Blum, 84, a resident of Yorkville, passed away peacefully Jan. 30 at Rosewood Care Center in Joliet. He was born Oct. 24, 1931, in Joliet.
Wally is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Kay (nee Ryan); his loving children, Patricia (the late Keith Pace) Blum, David Blum and Jeanette (Greg) Smeets; his cherished grandchildren, Brandon and Brittany Smeets; his brothers, Raymond (Joan) Blum and Anthony (Kathy) Blum; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Marie Blum; his brothers, Leo, Leonard and Robert Blum.
Wally loved the land. He was a lifelong farmer and member of the Will County Farm Bureau. He enjoyed dancing and was a member of the Coyote Moon Dancers, Kingsway Kickers and Heartland Dancers. A lifelong member of St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, Wally was the lead usher of the 7:30 a.m. Mass for many, many years. He was a third-degree member of the Knights of Columbus Good Shepherd Council #5573 and a longtime member of the Joliet Moose Lodge. For many years, Wally also enjoyed working at Buikema’s Ace Hardware in Naperville.
The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the staff of Rosewood Care Center and Joliet Area Community Hospice for the loving care shown to Wally and his family.
Visitation will be Friday, Feb. 5, 2 to 8 p.m. at the Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, corner of Route 30 and Route 59 in Plainfield. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Feb. 6 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 15629 S. Route 59, Plainfield. Interment will follow at St. Mary Immaculate Cemetery. For more information, call 815-436-9221 or visit www.overman-jones.com.
