August 14, 2019 – West Bend, WI – Shirley Elizabeth Bloom (nee Hodge), 85, of West Bend passed away on Sunday, August 11, 2019 at home with her loving family by her side.
Shirley was born on September 15th, 1933 in Ishpeming, MI to the late Thomas and Jean (nee Lutey) Hodge.
Shirley was a 1953 graduate of Ishpeming High School, Ishpeming, MI. After graduation she attended nursing school in Escanaba and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. While there she met the love of her life, Douglas, and was united in marriage in Negaunee, MI. on March 26th, 1955. Shirley worked in her lifetime at several organizations including St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba, MI, St. Mary Hospital in Marquette, MI as an emergency room nurse and then in West Bend at JC Penney and Cedar Lake Home. She then worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital as Supervisor of the Central Supply Department where she retired in 1992 after 20 years. Doug and Shirley celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2005 while in the company of their friends and family. In retirement together, they enjoyed their travels to Israel and England. Shirley continued with her activities until she was unable to do so after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Shirley was a loving wife and mother. She worked tirelessly to help support her family while Douglas worked his day job and, in the evenings, built rental apartments. She was a good cook and coordinated the many details of family life including attending the sporting events and other activities in which their sons were involved. Shirley could often be found outside talking with the neighbors. She was very practical in the advice she gave others. Shirley regularly attended church with her family and was a committed believer and follower of her Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
Those Shirley leaves behind to cherish her memory include her two children, Terry (Marcia) Bloom of West Bend and Vance (Ruth) Bloom of Round Rock, TX; seven grandchildren, Nathan (Valerie) Bloom of Sheboygan Falls, Amy Bloom of Nashville, TN, Scott (Julia) Bloom of Round Rock, TX, Bethany (Kyle) Graesslin of West Bend, Julie Bloom of Portland, OR, Micah Bloom of Milwaukee and Jason Bloom of West Bend; six great-grandchildren: Lydia Bloom, Eli Bloom, Mason Bloom, Benjamin Bloom, Willow Bloom and Isaiah Graesslin. She is further survived by her brother, James (Jean) Hodge of Kewaskum; two sisters-in-law, Geraldine Gilley of Bellingham, WA and Beverly (William) Mohney of Sun City, AZ.; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Shirley is proceeded in death by her loving husband, Douglas of 56 years; her parents, Rev. Thomas and Jean Hodge; parents-in-law: Robert and Hatti Bloom; her brother Thomas Hodge II; and her brother-in-law Harold Gilley.
While Shirley will be greatly missed by her family, her suffering has come to an end and she is now in the presence of her Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
A Memorial Service in remembrance of Shirley will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. at Calvary Assembly of God Church, 1110 E. Decorah Rd., West Bend, WI, with Pastor Mark Larsen officiating. The family invites you to stay for dinner and fellowship following the service.
The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Thursday from 3 p.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association in Shirley’s name is appreciated by the family.
The Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Home of West Bend is serving the family.
