John "Wes" W. Bloom
May 24, 2011
John Wesley Bloom was born October 30, 1922 at Center, Nebraska to Victor and Pearl 'Harbottle' Bloom. He moved to Fremont in 1931 where he grew up and graduated from Fremont High School in 1940. He attended Midland College while working at Riggs Optical Company in Fremont. He served in the United States Army from December 1942 to February 1946 during World War II and was discharged as a Staff Sergeant. While in the Army, he was selected to participate in the Army Specialized Training Program and attended the University of Georgia and the University of Mississippi. He served overseas in the Philippines. He also served in the Air Force Reserves from February 1946 until February 1949. While serving in the Army Wes received the American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.
Wes returned to Riggs Optical in Fremont in 1946 and became manager in 1948. In 1949, he became the optical dispensing technician for Drs. Heine and Heine. In 1961, he founded Bloom Optical Service in Fremont. He retired in 1984. Wes married Ethel Peterson on March 14, 1946 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont.
He is a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, where he served as an elder in former years. Wes is also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #854, the American Legion Post #20, the Disabled American Veterans Chapter #18, and the Golden K Kiwanis Club all of Fremont. He was also a supporter of the Lutheran Hour Ministries, and was involved with the Boy Scouts of American program for over 30 years, serving as a Scoutmaster, and Explorer Post Advisor and as a member of the local Eagle Scout Board of Review for several years. He was a charter member of the Nebraska Society of Dispensing Opticians and served as treasurer for 12 years. He was a Fellow in the International Academy of Opticianry and was a certified member of the American Board of Opticianry until retirement. Wes was a former member of Sinai Lutheran Church and had served on the Church Council and the Evangelism Committee.
Survivors:
Wife - Ethel of Fremont
Sons - Dr. Mark and wife Sarah Bloom of Perry, IA.
Paul and wife Sheila Bloom of Lawrence, KS.
5 grandchildren - Pearl Bloom of Wichita, KS
Myriam and Cora Bloom of Lawrence, KS.
Jared and Meghan Bloom of Perry, IA.
Wes was preceded in death by a son John Thomas Bloom.
The funeral will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday May 28 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. The Rev. Timothy Gierke will officiate. The burial will follow in Memorial Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Hour Ministries. Visitation will be Friday 3pm to 8pm with the family receiving friends from 6pm to 8pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Obituary Provided By:
1249 E. 23rd St.
Fremont, NE 68025
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