Gretchen Bloomer Obituary (2024)

Gretchen A. Bloomer, age 85, of Chilton, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at The Courtyard at Sussex in Sussex, Wisconsin. She was born September 11, 1938 in Fond du Lac, daughter of the late Roland & Elsie (Everix) Miller. She met the love of her life, James “Jim” Bloomer, at Chilton High School and later married on February 7, 1959 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chilton. Gretchen cherished her family and devoted her entire life to their care and well-being. Survivors include her husband of 65 years: Jim; her children: Andersan (Karen) Bloomer, Elizabeth (Ted) Enea, Jon Bloomer (Jan Koenig), Allison (Paul) Diedrick, Mark (Jackie) Bloomer, Kristin (Jon) Jaeck; 9 grandchildren: Katherine (Ryan), Samantha (Jeff), Thomas (Erin), Andrew, Olivia, Stella, Jordyn, Marissa, Jake; a great granddaughter: Ryla; 2 sisters-in-law: Mary Bloomer, Alice Erdman; and 1 brother-in-law: Irwin Nolan. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. While still in high school, Gretchen volunteered at the Calumet Memorial Hospital in Chilton in the nursery where she helped care for the newborn babies. Gretchen attended Business College in Green Bay. And shortly after Jim and Gretchen were married and soon started their family. While the kids were still at home, she was determined to start an apple orchard on their property overlooking Lake Winnebago. She worked many hours planting and meticousily tending to the orchard which enjoyed years of abundant fruit. Gretchen was known for delicious home cooked meals and desserts and there always a scent of baked bread or cookies in the home. Gretchen led an active life enjoying cross-country skiing with her sisters, women’s golf league, painting and entertaining. She served on the Board of Directors of the Camp Fire Girls and supported her children’s sporting and extracurricular activities. Gretchen lived for her family and loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She especially enjoyed meeting her first great granddaughter, Ryla when just 8 months old. Gretchen enjoyed traveling to California and South Dakota by motorhome and often spoke of the scary moments during a winter storm in the Sierra mountains. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved music, playing cards, puzzling, and dancing. As an active and longtime member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Chilton, Gretchen volunteered countless hours with the Christian Women and the church choir. She had fashioned numerous quilts with the Christian Women, taught religious education, assisted with bake sales, and took time to decorate the church sanctuary for holidays and special occasions. Gretchen also volunteered at the nursing home in Chilton where she would visit with residents and help women with their hair. She was preceded in death by her parents; 3 sisters: Joan (George) Bruckner, Marilyn (Robert) Nolan, Nancy Nolan; a brother: Earl “Mike” (Ina Claire) Miller; and brothers-in-law: Byron “Mike” Erdman, Edward (Carla) Bloomer. A private Mass of Christian Burial is being held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Chilton with Rev. Jon Thorsen offciating.