Kenneth Lee Blum

Kenneth was born June 24, 1946, in Milbank, South Dakota, to Dorothy (Thorson) and Carl Blum. Kenneth learned from an early age the value of hard work, working on the family farm with his parents and siblings. He also worked on neighboring farms, saving money for his first car, a used 1953 Chevrolet.

He attended school in Revillo, South Dakota. He played football in high school and graduated in 1965. He was drafted into the Army in 1966 and proudly served in Germany during the Vietnam era. Later in life, Kenneth furthered his education utilizing the GI Bill to take various community college courses.

Kenneth and EllaMae Tulowetzke were married on September 7, 1968. During their 58 years of marriage, they raised four children: Lynda Welch (Dale) Greeley, CO, Christine Granlund (Greg) Dodge City, KS, Troy Blum (Michele) Oxford, AL, and Carla Yates (Steven) Fruita, CO. He and EllaMae were blessed with 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. He cherished his family and took great joy in watching each generation grow.

Kenneth worked at the Cheese Plant in Big Stone City and Dakota Granite in Milbank, South Dakota, before moving to Colorado. Kenneth spent 28 years in the paving and construction industry. He worked his way from heavy equipment operator to foreman and ultimately superintendent, one of his proudest accomplishments. In 1998, he purchased his own semi-truck and trailer and became a self-employed owner-operator for 15 years before retiring in February 2013.

After retirement, Kenneth and EllaMae enjoyed traveling together. They rode motorcycle and traveled by motorhome through approximately 33 states and Canada. They also took cruises including Alaska, Mexican Riviera, Eastern and Western Caribbean, and Hawaii. In 2019, Kenneth was honored to participate in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., a special trip that recognized and honored his service in the United States Army.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy (Thorson) and Carl Blum; two siblings; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and in-laws.

Kenneth will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 W. 28th Street in Greeley.