Arlen D. Blumer

Arlen’s service will be livestreamed below on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 10:00 AM:

Arlen Darrel Blumer passed away peacefully on October 31, 2024, at the SMP Health – St. Catherine South in Fargo, ND, at the age of 91.

Arlen was born in Walcott, ND during a snowstorm on December 11, 1932, to Harold and Otillie “Tillie” (Walberg) Blumer. Arlen made a grand entrance into this world, even a snowstorm could not slow him down! He came in with a big personality and a heart to match. His father, using a horse-drawn sled, transported the local doctor from the Evangelical United Brethren Church to the family farm, where Arlen was born. Harold and Tillie raised Arlen, along with his four siblings, on the Pleasant Valley Stock Farm. He attended Walcott High School, a four-room schoolhouse, where he enjoyed playing basketball and baseball. He graduated in 1950.

After high school, Arlen proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was a member of the 91st Military Police Battalion and served in Pusan, Korea from 1952 to 1954. Arlen remained close to those he served with for the remainder of his life, even hosting a reunion in Medora, ND. Arlen was honored to attend the opening of the Korean War Memorial in Washington, DC, received an Honor Flight, was awarded a Veteran’s Quilt of Valor, and recognized for his service during a flag raising ceremony at a Minnesota Twins game. Arlen was a life-long member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

When Arlen returned from Korea in 1954, he met Marilyn Elaine Roesler, the love of his life. They married on Marilyn’s 18th birthday, June 28,1957, in Casselton, ND. Arlen and Marilyn created many lasting memories on trips to Mexico, Hawaii, Florida, and Washington DC, and recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.

Together Arlen and Marilyn built a beautiful family. All three children, Brian, Laine, and Ward, were the source of his greatest joy and pride. His family, particularly his cherished wife Marilyn, was the center of his universe. Some of his final words to his children were “please take care of your mom for me”; a reflection of his enduring love for her.

In 1957, Arlen and Marilyn moved to Devils Lake, ND, where Arlen worked for Ottertail Power Company. In 1959, the two moved to Kindred, ND, after Arlen took a position with Cass County Electric. He was also a small-business owner, operating Arlen’s Refrigeration for many years. Arlen worked for Cass County Electric until his retirement in 1991. He failed retirement and, from 1991 to 2012, held several jobs, including working for Aerial Contractors, driving school bus and the senior-citizen bus, driving truck for Rustads, assisting with the harvest at Roesler Farms, and working for Star Fireworks. He was also very civically engaged. He served on the Kindred City Council, volunteered for Kindred Ambulance and the American Legion, and was an active member at Kindred Lutheran Church.

After Marilyn’s retirement in 2012, they purchased a home in Gold Canyon, AZ. Gold Canyon was their winter retreat, a place to connect with family and friends. Arlen was often found relaxing on the patio watching TV. The close-knit community allowed him to easily visit his loved ones, often taking leisurely golf-cart rides.

Arlen was a man of many passions. He loved to laugh, tell stories, and play pinochle. His hobbies included hunting, woodworking, golf, and collecting vintage firearms. He also enjoyed spending time on the lake and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in many activities.

One of his greatest loves was NDSU Bison football. He was a dedicated fan, season ticket holder, and avid tailgater. Arlen even traveled to Frisco, TX to watch many of their championship games. His wardrobe was a testament to his Bison pride. He fostered many lasting bonds cheering on the Bison with his children, grandchildren, friends, and extended family.

While we mourn the loss of Arlen, we find solace in knowing his love and legacy will live on through his family. Arlen is survived by: his wife, Marilyn; his children, Brian (Char) Blumer, Pelican Rapids, MN, Laine (Warren) Larson, Brainerd, MN, and Ward (Jill) Blumer, Golden Valley, MN; his grandchildren, Elizabeth (Brandon) Conkins, Nicholas (Patty) Blumer, Alex Blumer, Elise (Brett) Severson, Lauren (Luke) Knutson, Margo Blumer, and Abby Blumer; his great-grandchildren, Kate Conkins, Hattie Conkins, Braydon Blumer, Brody Blumer, Briggs Blumer, Margaret Severson, and Mya Knutson; his siblings, Irene Graff, Boyd Blumer, Karen (Leonard) Heyen, and Cherie (Andy) Trottier; his in laws, Leon (Carol) Roesler, Bonnie (Dave) Dittmer, Janette (Ronnie) Thompson, and Dale Roesler. He also has many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Gordon and Ethel Roesler, Gordon Graff, Evelyn Blumer, Marilyn Roesler, Jerry Lindell, John Lindell, and Jeff Lindell.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Boulger Funeral Home, 123 10th Street South Fargo, ND 58103, Pastor Kyle Giermann presiding. The service will also be livestreamed on the funeral home’s website. A time of fellowship will be held with the family before and following the service. Interment will be held at 1 p.m. at the Fargo National Cemetery in Harwood, ND. Memorials will be sent to Haiti Alive, a non-profit organized to serve God and to bring hope, health, and happiness to the people on the island of LaGonave, Haiti, which was founded by Arlen’s nephew, Bruce Blumer.