Merrol Jean Bloom

Merrol was born in Minneapolis on July 16, 1938. Merrol was preceded in death by her parents, George and Edna Ruff of Grand Rapids and Brainerd, Minnesota, as well as Rhinelander, WI. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Earl Bloom in 2014.

As the daughter of a businessman, Merrol spent her childhood in Brainerd, MN, and Grand Rapids, MN where her father owned a store and pursued various business adventures. She graduated from Washington High School in Brainerd and had attended Catholic school at St. Francis of Assisi in Brainerd. She collected memorable stories that she often shared from her formative years. She also developed lasting friendships, particularly with her lifelong friends, Fran and Sylvia. She also loved her good friends Cathy and Roy C. who she met as an adult and who preceded her in death.

A hardworking and responsible young woman, Merrol often helped in her father's store, taking on various tasks from overseeing bait for fishermen to handling cleaning duties or the cash register. As an only child, she discovered a profound love of reading that would remain with her throughout her life. She was an avid fan of novels and spiritual readings. As a young adult, Merrol met and married Earl Bloom.

She is survived by their 4 children, their spouses and her cherished grandchildren, as well as other friends and relatives. Her children include Perry (Beth) Bloom, Donald Bloom, Debra Bloom (Vicki Denzer), and Diana (Scott) VanDerBeek. Her cherished grandchildren include Logan, Arie, Noah, Dalton V., and Kristine W. Merrol spent treasured family times with all her children and grandchildren throughout the years. She would often fondly recall attending Grandparents' Days. She enjoyed spending time with family and would never pass up a chance to go out for ice cream!

Merrol held various clerical jobs including at Lieberman Enterprises in Bloomington, MN and West Publishing Company of Eagan, MN from which she retired. She enjoyed travels to Yellowstone National Park, Branson, MO and Mackinac Island, MI to name a few. Merrol, Earl and family also shared many visits to Rhinelander, Wisconsin to visit her mother and other relatives. Merrol had an appreciation for Minnesota's lakes and parks that has passed on to her children and grandchildren as their love of nature and the great outdoors shines on through fishing, hunting and outdoor pursuits to this day.

Merrol's compassionate spirit and gentle nature was evident throughout her life. She loved her family and had a love of dogs. Merrol never had to pick out a dog as she inherited several! Merrol delighted in birdwatching too, even if her enthusiastic identification of "green heads" (mallards) brought gentle correction and laughter from her children. Christian faith was another important aspect of Merrol's life. For many years, she was a member of the Nativity of Mary Catholic Church in Bloomington, Minnesota where Merrol and Earl raised their children and lived for over 40 years.

In retirement, Merrol attended Creekside Senior Center and also volunteered to bake cakes for church gatherings. She lived her life by the Golden Rule as a good person who loved and cared for others. Most recently, Merrol lived in the Coon Rapids and Blaine area for 10 years to be near family. Her legacy of love, kindness, and caring will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. From her childhood cats to her lifelong love of family, dogs and reading, Merrol took joy in life and nature's simple pleasures. She was a gentle soul who wanted others, and most importantly her family to find peace, love and happiness in their lives.

A special Thank You to the Beyond Hospice Team for helping with Mom's care and providing family with the expertise to assist Merrol in her last journey of life. Merrol wishes her family and friends God's Blessings to be bestowed upon you.

A Committal Service and Interment will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. A celebration of life will follow for family members.