Richard Blum Obituary

Richard J. "Dick" Blum of LaGrange, age 74, passed away at home on February 16, 2012. Beloved husband of Carolyn; loving father of Rick (Beth) Blum; Jennifer (Mark) Stacy and Karen (William) Spencer; devoted grandfather of Katharine, Eric, Abby, Libby, Sarah, and Charlie; dear brother of Philip (Carla) Blum. Dick was born to Richard F. and Erna Blum in Oak Park, IL. A graduate of OPRF High School and Beloit College, where he joined Tau Kappa Epsilon, he received a Master's Degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin. In 1962, he began his career at the First National Bank of Chicago, ultimately becoming a Senior Vice President before retiring in 1997. For many years, he taught Economics at Illinois Benedictine College where he received their Distinguished Teacher award. Dick and Carolyn met in the Lutheran Choir of Chicago, and married on June 25, 1966. For St. John's Lutheran Church, LaGrange, he served as President and Board of Stewardship chairman in addition to being a faithful choir member. He helped organize the Lutheran Camp Association in Arcadia, MI, and later served on the LCA board as President of the Arcadia Cottage Colony Association. Supporting his wife's alma mater, he was president of Parents' Council for Valparaiso University, and with Carolyn, received the Partners in Service Award. In life, Richard was respected by his colleagues, treasured by his friends, cherished by his family, and loved by his Lord Jesus Christ. Visitation will be at Hallowell & James Funeral Home in Countryside, IL, on February 24 from 3-8:30 p.m. with a prayer service following. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on February 25, at St. John's Lutheran Church, LaGrange, IL, preceded by a 10 a.m. visitation. Memorial donations appreciated to St. John's, Camp Arcadia, or Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research. Funeral home phone 708-352-6500.