Beth Anne Bloom Obituary

Beth Anne Bloom

October 24, 1947 - February 14, 2019
Des Moines, Iowa

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Memorials may be directed to Animal Rescue League
Animal Rescue League
5452 N.E. 22nd St
Des Moines, IA 50313

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Ankeny, IA 50023
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“Beth was always kind to me. ”
1 of 22 | Posted by: Brad McCloud - Boone, IA

“Beth was a guest at my home a few years ago in Canada with my sister, Roberta. I will treasure the memory of good times and lots of laughs. ”
2 of 22 | Posted by: Joanne Vickers - Aurora, ON

“Knowing Beth, teaching with her for several years, book club, lazy days at the lake and a friendship I held dear, I will miss you. Praying you will...Read More » ”
3 of 22 | Posted by: Jane Person - Adel, IA - Friend

“Having heard of Beth's impending passing, I had such a strong feeling ofregret. Beth was someone I truly wanted to know better as she shined...Read More » ”
4 of 22 | Posted by: Gail George - Des Moines, IA

“Arlen, Very sorry to hear of Beth's passing. Sending prayers. ”
5 of 22 | Posted by: Mike Funaro - Punta Gorda, FL

6 of 22 | Posted by: Mike Funaro - Punta Gorda, FL

“We remember Beth from living next door to them. My son michael has many memories of her and the boys. Rest In Peace Beth. Heffernan family. ”
7 of 22 | Posted by: A friend

“Beth I will miss you. Fond memories of teaching with you and going to Mexico. What a blessing to have known you. Peace to and your family ”
8 of 22 | Posted by: Lisa Fitch - Clive, IA

“I am so sorry to learn of Beth's passing. I knew she was a great teacher at Howe school and was loved and admired by so many. ”
9 of 22 | Posted by: Carol Lang - Altoona, IA - Friend

“I am so sorry to learn of Beth's passing. I knew she was a great teacher at Howe school and was loved and admired by so many. ”
10 of 22 | Posted by: Carol Lang - Altoona, IA - Friend

“I remember Beth so fondly from our time at Central high school. Always nice and kind and very smart. ”
11 of 22 | Posted by: michael krzyska - brooklyn park, MN

“Arlen I'm so sorry for your loss. ”
12 of 22 | Posted by: Kevin West - Coworker

“We met Beth & Arlen seven years ago on an Alaskan cruise ship - piano bar of course. Since then we have enjoyed many vacations together lounging and...Read More » ”
13 of 22 | Posted by: Brenda & Jim Gray - Friend

“Sorry that I will not be able to be at the visitation. I always enjoyed Beth's smile and kind words for me. This made me feel special due to her...Read More » ”
14 of 22 | Posted by: Gerri Lyon - West Des Moines, IA

“I pray for comfort that passes all understanding. We all loved Beth. She was a beacon of light overflowing with love. I am dedicating a 3 song...Read More » ”
15 of 22 | Posted by: Tamera Page - Des Moines, IA

“I am so sorry to hear this news. She was a sweet lady ”
16 of 22 | Posted by: Maureen Moe Kauzlarich Des Moines

“I didn't know Beth personally, but I can tell by that smile, and by things I've heard about her, that she was a marvelous, kind and beautiful soul....Read More » ”
17 of 22 | Posted by: Ryan Redoute - Royal Oak, MI

“My heart goes out to the family at this difficult time. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn"...Read More » ”
18 of 22 | Posted by: A friend

“My wife and I only new Beth for a short amount of time, but it was very apparent she was a beautiful soul. She will be missed. ”
19 of 22 | Posted by: Stan Ringold - Buffalo, MN

“May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times that you shared together. May our wonderful Heavenly Father provide you with...Read More » ”
20 of 22 | Posted by: M Hayes

“What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman! My first year (15 years ago) teaching I had the honor of sharing most of my day with Beth. She was...Read More » ”
21 of 22 | Posted by: Cindi De Meyer - Des Moines, IA

“Beautiful precious woman. I met her when she was still Beth Brandon. We were neighbors and Bart and my oldest son were friends. She will be missed by...Read More » ”
22 of 22 | Posted by: Mary Lou Granquist - Altoona, IA

Beth A. Bloom, 71, of Des Moines passed away February 14, 2019.
A visitation will be held 2 to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, February 23, at Memorial Services of Iowa (4208 N Ankeny Blvd).

Beth was born October 24, 1947 to Charles and Alice Dumais in Warroad, Minnesota. She received a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota. She taught in Minneapolis before traveling to California for some graduate work at UC Berkeley. There she met and married Robert Brandon of Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1974 and taught in San Jose. They moved to Des Moines in 1976 where Beth taught at Howe Elementary and Bob managed his father's Orange Julius store. Their son, Bart, was born in March, 1977. Bob was taken by cancer in October, 1980 and Beth and Bart lived in Altoona.

Beth met Arlen Bloom of Des Moines in February, 1982 on a blind date through a mutual friend and accepted his proposal of marriage just 3-1/2 weeks later. They were married on June 5, 1982 and with Arlen's son, Marston (Marty), they formed a family of four. Marty is just eleven months younger than Bart and they have been true brothers ever since. The Bloom family lived in Altoona, then purchased a new house in West Des Moines. Beth received a master's degree in Early Childhood Development from Drake University in 1991 and retired in 2006, after teaching many years at Capitol View Elementary where she was loved by students and staff alike.

Beth was diagnosed in January, 2013 with uveal melanoma in her right eye. Although an incurable disease, its progression was slow. In January, 2016, Beth and Arlen moved to a 1961 brick, ranch house just south of Des Moines' downtown area and worked together to remodel it into a vintage mid-century home where they entertained large groups of their many friends.

Beth was quite proud of her grandchildren and loved them dearly. Hunter, Zander, Charlie, and Jack had a grandma who taught them what they needed to excel in school as well as play games, do crafts, cook and bake, and learn things necessary to succeed in life. Her love for them is truly undying.

Beth's cancer did not metastasize to her liver until August, 2017. She was lucky enough to be symptom-free and live a normal, active life until October, 2018. When she was told there was nothing left to do to combat her illness, she vowed to stay off "the davenport of despair" and keep going. She attended a yoga class as late as January 31st. On February 14, 2019, Beth took her last breath in a warm bath while listening to the blues music that made her so many friends. She will always be our valentine.

In addition to her family, she loved: the motorcycle honeymoon with Arlen; Frank's and later, Oscar's dog walks; bike trail rides; yoga classes; cruising vintage home décor shops; mysteries, rock bios, and stories of survival; live blues music with her Gas Lamp friends; sips of fine tequilas on anyone's patio; her retirement job at H.O.P.E.; dock or beach time at any body of water; and million-dollar smiles she flashed and made any stranger feel included.

Beth is survived by her husband Arlen; sons Bart (Lindsay) Brandon and Marty (Dinah) Bloom; grandchildren Charlie, Jack, Hunter, and Zander; sisters Jeanne (Jim) Kosfeld and Connie (David) McCook; mother–in-law Wilma Bloom; brothers-in-law Donald (RuthAnn) Bloom, Marshall (Sharon) Bloom, and Jeff (Jodi) Brandon; sister-in-law Mary (Larry) Miller; and several nieces and nephews. She loved them all.

Memorials may be directed to Animal Rescue League.

Memories & Candles

Page: 1 of 3

Beth was always kind to me.

Posted by: Brad McCloud - Boone, IA - Acquaintance Mar 20, 2019

Beth was a guest at my home a few years ago in Canada with my sister, Roberta. I will treasure the memory of good times and lots of laughs.

Posted by: Joanne Vickers - Aurora, ON Feb 25, 2019

Knowing Beth, teaching with her for several years, book club, lazy days at the lake and a friendship I held dear, I will miss you. Praying you will find God's peace, comfort and strength in the days ahead. Your memories of Beth will sustain you as they will for the many who called her friend.

Posted by: Jane Person - Adel, IA - Friend Feb 23, 2019

Having heard of Beth's impending passing, I had such a strong feeling of
regret. Beth was someone I truly wanted to know better as she shined with
authenticity. My thoughts and prayers to Arlen, Bart, Marty, family and so so many friends. Gail George

Posted by: Gail George - Des Moines, IA - Friend Feb 22, 2019

Arlen, Very sorry to hear of Beth's passing. Sending prayers.

Posted by: Mike Funaro - Punta Gorda, FL Feb 22, 2019

Posted by: Mike Funaro - Punta Gorda, FL Feb 21, 2019

We remember Beth from living next door to them. My son michael has many memories of her and the boys. Rest In Peace Beth. Heffernan family.

Posted by: A friend Feb 21, 2019

Beth I will miss you. Fond memories of teaching with you and going to Mexico. What a blessing to have known you. Peace to and your family

Posted by: Lisa Fitch - Clive, IA Feb 20, 2019

I am so sorry to learn of Beth's passing. I knew she was a great teacher at Howe school and was loved and admired by so many.

Posted by: Carol Lang - Altoona, IA - Friend Feb 20, 2019

I am so sorry to learn of Beth's passing. I knew she was a great teacher at Howe school and was loved and admired by so many.

Posted by: Carol Lang - Altoona, IA - Friend Feb 20, 2019

Page: 1 of 3

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