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.
judy snyder
10/05/2011
To the family of Dave Blum,
I have taught kindergarten in the WDM school district for many years. I have been on many of Dave's math and science teams over the years. He was always a pleasure to work with - a real teacher's teacher. Dave shared many stories of his family and times outside of school. It was clear how much family meant to him. I feel fortunate to have known and worked with Dave. His legacy as a WDM leader will always be remembered and highly regarded.
My sympathy,
Judy Snyder
Terie Leach Engelking
10/05/2011
I am so very sorry to hear of Dave's passing. As a former classmate of Dawn's & Dave's in Nashua, there are a lot of memories to hold close. I know there isn't anything anyone can really say right now that will help, but know that you are all in my prayers and the prayers of so many others. You will always have Dave's love for you deep in your heart.
Jeff & Peggy
10/05/2011
Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. This is one of the most difficult things we must face in our life. May it comfort you to know that others are deeply touched by your loss. God assures us at Psalms 34:18 that he is near to those broken in heart and those crushed in spirit he saves. Jesus also promises that we will be able to see our loved ones again. Jesus own words found at John 5:28,29 tells us there will be a resurrection. What a wonderful hope! God says that soon on the earth there will be no more pain, suffering and especially death at Revelation 21:3-5 We anxiously await the day when we will no longer lose those we love. May these bible thoughts bring you comfort at this most difficult time.
John Villotti
10/05/2011
Walking Wild
Each morning, usually before dawn, I walk the country roads of rural Iowa. These posts are what I experience, think and feel during these walks.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Poker Dave
I never walked with Poker Dave. Today's notes are not about walking, they are about remembering. I walk long but my memory is short. That's good and bad.
I never walked with Poker Dave. I went to the horse races with him. He bet small and pretty conservative. He had a math system for most things. Not the ponies. He just had fun.
I never walked with Poker Dave. I worked countless hours with him. I asked him thousands of questions. Sometimes he had great answers and sometimes he had better questions. He always had great ideas.
I did play poker with him. He introduced interesting games to our group. He had a math system to try to win. Most of our games were high/low split and he went low 75% of the time. Everyone always knew he was going low, yet he often still pulled it off. A conservative bettor that still took his shots.
A couple of days ago Poker Dave became a spirit. He is now guided by the energy of the tens of thousands of students he has positively impacted over the years. I wish I would have walked with him.
Jane Busby VHS Science Dept
10/04/2011
Blum Family-
Dave was part of the interview team that supported the hiring of me 6 years ago. Coming from a small school district, I was elated to see the perks of having a curriculum director when I joined the WDMCS team. I worked with Dave on several initiatives, most recently being the design of the new science rooms at VHS. Dave's insight was very helpful and informative. We will truly miss the leadership he provided our department. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May fond memories help you through this difficult time. Jane Busby Biology Instructor VHS
Julie (Agnitsch)Brown
10/04/2011
Hi Dawn and family,
I am so sadden at the news of Dave's passing away. He was such a wonderful Person. He will be greatly missed by all. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love to your family,
Julie (Bunston,Agnitsch) Brown
Paul Kruger
10/04/2011
Sorry to hear about Dave. He was a good person and classmate. He always treated people with respect and was a great guy. He will be missed. I always enjoyed being around him.
Brady Johnson
10/04/2011
Dear Family of Dave Blum:
I send my deepest condolences to you in your time of loss. I met Dave while teaching science at Valley High School. During the Summer of 2006, I had the opportunity to get to know Dave very well while at a conferance in Orlando, Florida. We were actually roommates, in a honeymoon suite! Though the setting very interesting, we had many laughs about it. Through that trip, I got a chance to see Dave's great sense of humor, and his deep interest in sports and the outdoors. Those are interests of mine as well, so we had some really good conversations. In the years that followed, I always enjoyed seeing Dave at Valley when he stopped by to visit our department.
A little over a year ago, my family and I moved to Minnesota. I had heard the news last year that Dave had become sick. My heart sank, and my prays went out to him and you. I will miss Dave greatly, as will West Des Moines Schools. However, we will always have our great memories.
God Bless,
Brady Johnson
Dirk
10/04/2011
Dawn And Family - So sorry to hear about Dave. He was a Great Guy and will be missed!!
Jo Anne McIntyre
10/04/2011
Dawn, Amy, Andy and family -
I am so sorry for your loss. Dave was a good man, and he will be missed by many. I enjoyed working with him for the eight years I worked in the WDM school district.
Jo Anne McIntyre
Christopher Mock
10/04/2011
Andy and Family,
I am sorry to hear of Dave's passing, Your family will be kept in my prayers during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Christopher Mock (ex coworker of Andy)
Judy Bahlmann Aronsen
10/04/2011
I am so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He was a great high school classmate. My deepest sympathies to Dawn and the families.
Mark & Deb Bonzer
10/04/2011
We didn't know Dave, but we knew/know some of the family. You all have our prayers and condolences.
Kevin Potratz
10/04/2011
This is very hard to write this, I have many good memories of Dave from Nashua. We shared a locker in High School when I first moved to Nashua. Dave was always cheerful and a good friend. We had many great times on our senior football team. Dave is and always wiil be rememberd as great human being. May God Bless You.
JyllMiner
10/04/2011
My deepest sympathies go to the Blum family. Dave made such a difference in whatever meeting he was in, he was so enjoyable to be around. He was an educational leader who truly made a difference and someone who will continue to inspire. Even though he was extremely busy, he always made the time to help others in a kind and welcoming manner! He was just one of those people others looked to - a true teacher of teachers! I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to have such a special "mentor" in my life - I will treasure his wisdom and the person he was. From a huge Hawk fan - I will utter a "Go Clones" in his honor!