Obit: Blum, Martha Marcella (1915 - 2018)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Blum, Stussy, Forsythe, Bowen, Geffers, Sytsma, Mohr, Trunkel, Biebert

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/13/2018

Blum, Martha Marcella (16 August 1915 – 8 June 2018)

Martha Marcella (Stussy) Blum passed in peace at the Neillsville Retirement Community on Friday, June 8, 2018 at the age of 102 years and nine months.

Martha was born August 16, 1915 in Gays Mills, to Peter and Rosina Stussy. Her parents were immigrants from Switzerland. She graduated from Gays Mills High School in 1933; she was the first in her family to graduate from high school. On August 10, 1935, she married Herbert E. Blum from Mishicot. They moved to Neillsville in 1942 and were members of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Martha loved socializing and was a member of the Candlelight Homemaker’s Club, several local card clubs and was president of the Ladies Aide at St. John’s for many years. She loved to play cards (especially Sheepshead and cribbage), read, do crossword puzzles and word finds, and watch the Packers until her sight prohibited her from enjoying those things. Many knew her from her time she worked (1963 to 1973) at Schultz Brothers Dime Store. Martha had many talents showing an artistic side by creating beautiful quilts, sewing, creating flower arrangements and drawing. Her children and grandchildren enjoyed her many gifts. She will also be remembered for her warm and affectionate hugs – especially as a greeter at St. John’s on Sunday mornings.

She was a devoted mother to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her sons: Herbert (Cielita) of Waukesha; Craig (JoAnn) of Neillsville; Spencer (Carol) of Eagan, MN; and daughters, Karen Blum of Weston; and Mariann Forsythe of Lexington, KY. She is further survived by her daughter-in-law, Nancy Blum of Rockford, IL, 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren and special friends, Effie Sytsma and Karen Mohr.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert, in 2000; son, Donald, in 2007; and five brothers and four sisters including her twin sister, Mertie Bowen.

She lived independently in her home until April 2013 when she moved to the Neillsville Retirement Community. A special gratitude to the staff at the Neillsville Retirement Community for their devotion and the extraordinary care they displayed to Martha while she lived there.

Per Martha's request, any memorial gifts will be directed to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Funeral services for Martha were held Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 11:00 with visitation from 9:30-11:00 a.m. prior to the funeral service at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Neillsville. Pastor Timothy Biebert officiated. Music was provided by Judy Trunkel, organist. Interment was in the Neillsville City Cemetery.

Casket bearers were: Jeff Blum, Duane Blum, Steve Blum, Jonathan Blum, Dakotah Blum, John Geffers and Luke Geffers.

Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Martha’s family with funeral arrangements.