David D. Blum
October 02, 2011
Dave Blum, 57, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Sunday, October 2, 2011 at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 5, 2011 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Funeral services will be at West Des Moines United Methodist Church, 720 Grand Ave. in West Des Moines on Thursday, October 6 at 10 a.m.
Dave was born at the Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California on November 25, 1953 to Donald and Jeanne Blum. When he was six weeks old the family came home to Rockford, Iowa where his parents farmed until 1962. By this time he had three younger brothers . . . Steven, Robert, and James. David attended elementary schools at Aplington and Greene until the family settled in Nashua in 1965, where he grew up and graduated from Nashua High School in 1972. He was an active Bulldog participating in numerous sports and school activities, along with governing over his brothers when he could… If Dave had a rough day, all the brothers had a rough day.
Dave attended Iowa State University and graduated in 1976 with a double major in Psychology and Zoology, and later a Master of Science in Education. Dave was on the All University Championship Intramural Co-Ed inner tube water polo team. The championship was due in great part to Dave's sneaky defensive tactics on the other team's best player. While attending college he worked a couple of summers at the White Farm Equipment Co. in Charles City, on third shift in the foundry shoveling sand from under the conveyor. Coming home covered in black soot enhanced Dave’s love of education. He also worked one year at The Hen House while attending school. He didn't have a car, so he rode his bike and ate quite a bit of chicken. He even got to take leftovers home but eventually didn't feel well and later found out he was allergic to poultry. Sometimes you just can't win!
He married his high school sweetheart Dawn Tracy in 1977 and they were blessed with two children, Andrew and Amy. He taught them the finer things in life… searching for night crawlers with a flashlight, discussing the exciting tales of the stars in the sky and providing tips on hitting line drives. Dave loved to play cards, especially 500, with his family and frustrated plenty of sisters-in-law with his calm competitive edge.
Dave realized his teaching dreams with positions in the Fort Dodge and West Des Moines school systems as a teacher, coach, and administrator. His first job was as a Junior High Science teacher where he once had a tarantula in his classroom. The tarantula went through the molting process and lost its skin, which is normal, but they never saw the spider again! When he became an administrator, he didn’t lose sight of his dream. He took whatever opportunities he could to be with students. Whether it was going on overnight field trips, showing brain teasers at the Math Bowl or lying on his back inside Star Lab teaching 6th graders about constellations, he treasured teachable moments. He enjoyed being “out there in the trenches” with his teachers, working with them in various curriculum meetings and celebrating their successes, in the classroom and outside of school.
Dave continued his passion for education by returning to the classroom as an adjunct instructor for Upper Iowa and Drake. Teaching adults was a two-way street for him – he shared his insights and experiences and they shared their enthusiasm and fresh ideas. He also participated in many educational organizations and was very active in the Iowa Council of Math Teachers, providing support and guidance, as well as serving on the Executive Board. He retired in July 2011 as Director of Curriculum for Math and Science for the West Des Moines Community Schools.
Dave enjoyed fishing and hunting throughout the Midwest, was an avid reader and cheered on his Iowa State Cyclones and St. Louis Cardinals. Although there were many proud moments during his lifetime, including marrying his high school sweetie, raising his children and watching them achieve their milestones, one of Dave’s proudest accomplishments was donating enough blood to fill 379.6 beakers.
Dave will be greatly missed by his wife of 34 years, Dawn; his parents, Donald and Jeanne Blum; his children, Andrew (Michelle) Blum, and Amy (Todd) White; granddaughter, Mackenzie Marie Blum; and siblings, Steven (Laura) Blum, Robert (Maria) Blum, James (Nancy) Blum, 13 nieces and nephews and three active grand nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the West Des Moines Community School Foundation in memory of Dave Blum for the Valley High School Science Department, 3550 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50265-5556. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Sally Mussehl Staveley
10/10/2011
Dawn and family -
I was so sorry to hear about Dave's passing. Although we haven't kept in touch that does not take away from the really good memories of having Dave and you as friends growing up in Nashua. May you find peace in the coming days and years.
John Wozniak
10/09/2011
I had the opportunity to work with Dave when we were both employed by the Fort Dodge Community School District. I fondly remember him as a fine science/math coordinator and an excellent human being. My deepest sympathy on losing Dave.
John & Cindy Dahl
10/09/2011
Dawn, Andy, and Amy --
We are truly at a loss for words after hearing about Dave. He was such a GREAT man and truly dedicated to any and all endeavors he pursued. There are so many fond memories of coaching softball and teaching together in Fort Dodge. Dave's spirit and love of life will live on in the hearts and souls of all those he touched. May God walk and comfort you in the difficult days ahead. Our love to you and we pray for God's blessings for the entire Blum family and all those who loved Dave.
Our thoughts and prayers are, and will continue to be, with you.
John and Cindy Dahl
3109 Mohave Way
Jacksonville, FL
Carol Boge Goddard
10/08/2011
Dear Dawn and family,
I am so sorry to hear about you loss. Dave was a great person in high school he always had time to talk. He left a legacy.
Nikki Kock
10/06/2011
Dave is a man I will always respect and admire! There was a time in my life when he openly supported, encouraged, and stood up for me when I needed it most. He didn't have to but volunteered to. He was a man of great integrity and I believe I am not alone in saying that. I feel very honored and privileged to have known Dave both personally and professionally. Dawn and family, you will all remain in our prayers and thoughts. After today's service I told my mom my new goal each day is to channel Dave's attitude on life, family, friends and even education. Please know he will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. The impact he made on all our lives will remain forever!
May God hold you in the palm of His hands,
Nikki & Brent Kock
Resa Kelly
10/06/2011
It is with sadness that I send my condolences to Dave Blum's family. I feel lucky to have known him, and I will always appreciate the encouragement and support he extended to me during my teaching years at Valley. He will be missed.
Gary/Iris Baxter
10/06/2011
May we express our deepest sympathy to you Dawn and your family
Judith Frank
10/06/2011
Mrs. Blum and Family,
I did not know Dave well, but I know he was respected and enjoyed by
many teachers. He often was the voice of reason in a stressful meeting.
He was a good teacher, a good administrator, and a good man.
He will be missed.
Judith Frank
Retired WDM teacher
Amy Averill Bailey
10/06/2011
My thoughts and prayers go to the family of Dave. I am so sorry for your pain and suffering at this time.
My mom called me to tell me that Dave had died. I was very saddened to hear of this news. Her call instantly conjured up memories of 7th grade science at Phillips Middle School. I had an awesome team of teachers: Miss McKnight, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Blum, Mr.Sawyer, and a reading teacher whose name escapes me. Mr. Blum had the big corner room. His love for science was contagious. We got to dissect frogs and make a butterfly collection. He was the teacher I credit for making my love of science "blum". I remember when his wife had Amy and he told the class her name. I was so excited that I had the same name as her. He cared about his students as people. He was patient and kind, challenging and innovative. I loved his class.
I went on to become a teacher myself. My decision I credit to my father, but also to the countless wonderful teachers I had while I grew up in Fort Dodge. Mr. Blum was one of those special teachers. Teachers leave behind a legacy that no other occupation could ever come close to matching. They impact their students lives forever.
Amy Averill Bailey
Class of 1989, FDSH
Terri Danilson
10/06/2011
Dawn and family, please know you are in the thoughts and prayers of many who care about you during this difficult time.
Andy, I know your friends are thinking of you with love right now. Losing a parent is difficult at any age, but one so young it seems especially hard. I'm sure little MacKenzie has been a wonderful diversion for all of you. I'm also sure Dave is enjoying, and will enjoy, watching her grow - just from a different perspective than we do!
Dawn, I'm not sure how one recovers from the loss of a husband. I suspect it is with the love and support of family and friends and the loving arms of God. Lean on your family and friends right now for strength, and let them help as you begin this journey. Please know you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless you all!
Char Vukovich
10/06/2011
I can echo many of the statements made here by friends of Dave. I was a better teacher and am a better person because I knew him. His kindness and caring for others plus his intelligent and practical leadership will be missed in the West Des Moines community.
Char Vukovich, Former West Des Moines teacher
Carrie Jones
10/05/2011
I often think of Mr. Blum... he was my instructor at Upper Iowa a few years ago. What a neat guy! I learned a lot from him about teaching math and science, but I mostly remember him for the sincere way he treated his students, the way he spoke of his family, and his sense of humor. I am very sorry for your loss.
Brian & Sheila Teddy
10/05/2011
I remember meeting David and his family while Jamie and I stayed the night at his house on our way out west hunting. David extended a warm welcome to me just as the entire Blum family always has. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Blum Family.
Ron Nordman
10/05/2011
I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you Dawn and the rest of the family. Have many fun memories of Dave from school.
Dave Haggard
10/05/2011
I had the privilege of getting to know Dave when we were both employed by the Fort Dodge Community School District. I was always impressed with his professionalism, his love and commitment to his family, and his appreciation for the great outdoors. His positive attitude always came through and I know our lives are all better for having known Dave. My deepest sympathy is extended to Dave's family and friends. Dave Haggard