Merle Eldon Bloom

Merle Eldon Bloom, age 81, of Osakis, MN, formerly of the Twin Cities, passed away after a brave battle with cancer on Friday, March 8, 2024 surrounded by his loved ones.  Merle was born on December 3^rd, 1942 in Mondovi, Wisconsin to Albert and Julia (McDonough) Bloom. He was the youngest of nine children. Merle grew up on a farm where he enjoyed being around animals, especially horses, and once considered becoming a veterinarian. Two years after high school he joined the US Army. He was stationed at Fort Richardson in Alaska during the “Great Alaskan Earthquake”.  It was nothing like Hawaii that he had requested!

After being honorably discharged from the Army, he made his home in Hopkins, MN. It was there that he met Sharon Nelson, fell in love and was united in marriage on April 30^th, 1966. They bought their first house and raised their three children in Crystal, MN. Merle spent his years working in retail, merchandising and lawn and garden sales.

Merle will be remembered as having a great sense of humor and a “twinkle” in his eye. He had a generous heart and could strike up a conversation with anyone he met. Merle was someone who loved being around his family and spending as much time outdoors as possible. He enjoyed sitting by the campfire, fishing and gardening. 

Merle is survived by his three children: Diane (Jeff Sibell) Hughes of Osakis, MN; Gregory (Anita) Bloom of Richmond, MN; Michael (Lisa) Bloom of Brooklyn Center, MN; three grandchildren Christopher (Julie) Hughes of Minnetrista, MN; Ryan (Corey Schroer) Hughes of New York, NY; Madison Chesnutt of Golden Valley, MN; two great grandchildren, Ethan and Wesley Hughes; and very special companion Marge Ronning of Elk River, MN.

Merle is preceded in death by his wife Sharon, parents and eight brothers and sisters.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Elk River, MN on Tuesday, April 30th @ 11:00AM, with visitation from 10:00 - 11:00AM. Inurnment will take place at 2:00 PM at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens in Crystal, MN.  

Family and friends may leave online condolences at www.royhetland.com