A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Lynn L. Blum age 80 of Howells, NE will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Nepomucene Catholic Church in Howells, NE with Fr. Walter a Jong Kiem as celebrant. Interment with military honors will be in the Bohemian National Cemetery in Howells, NE, with a luncheon to follow at the Howells American Legion Hall. Visitation will be held on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. John’s Nepomucene Catholic Church and will continue on Saturday one hour prior to the service. Minnick Funeral Home in West Point is assisting with the arrangements. The family suggests memorials be directed to the Howells Historical Society, Prairie Wind Wildlife Sanctuary of Howells, or to donor’s choice in Lynn’s name.
Lynn passed away peacefully at home on Monday, April 8, 2024 after a very brief illness.
Lynn Leo Blum was born December 10, 1943 in Howells, NE as the youngest son of William and Lenis (Miller) Blum. He graduated from Howells High School and after serving in the army for four years, returned to Howells. Lynn married Susan Forsberg on August 13, 1968, and that union was blessed with 2 wonderful children. Lynn worked as a truck driver and was part owner of Blum’s Bar before he became deputy for Colfax County Sheriff’s department in 1979. Lynn married Jean (Allen) O’Dey in 1988 and welcomed step-daughter, Jennifer into the family. Lynn was elected sheriff in 1990, and after many years of service, retired in March, 2009.
Lynn enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, baking, making jellies and juices, feeding the neighborhood birds and squirrels (and occasional opossum, racoon, fox, and ducks), and he never met a stranger. He loved helping others, and serving the public, but his greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by wife, Jean, children, Sandy (David) Riggin, Stillhouse Township, New Jersey,
D.J. (Jordana) Freehold, New Jersey, and step-daughter Jennifer (John) Wisnieski, Fairbury, Nebraska, seven grandchildren Elyssa (Jesse) Mendoza, Kaelynn (Coty) Jensen, Zane (Aiden) Vela, Camryn Wisnieski, Shaye Lefler-Blum, Brittany and Steven Riggen; 3 great grandchildren, and brother Keith, Euless, Texas.
Lynn was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Susan, and brother Roger.
His kindness, generosity, and love for cheeseburgers will be greatly missed.
Memorials may be directed to the Howells Historical Society, Prairie Wind Wildlife Sanctuary-Howells, NE, or donor’s choice.