Arlene M. Blum, 96, of Polo, passed away Friday, Dec. 23, 2016, at Polo Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. Arlene was born Oct. 21, 1920, in Dixon, the daughter of Fred and Louise (Stanley) Odenthal. On October 19, 1940 in Dixon, she was united in marriage to Byron Blum. She and Byron were married for 63 years when Byron passed on January 25, 2004.
Arlene graduated from Amboy High School in 1936. She and Byron moved to Polo in 1956 where they farmed for over 40 years. Arlene was a member of the Polo Evening Woman’s Club, a past president of the Federated 13th District Woman’s Club, Illinois Home Extension group for over 50 years, served on the board of Directors for Polo Area Senior Services and Second Hand Rose, member of Ogle County Tourism and a 60 year member of the St. Mary Catholic Church and Altar & Rosary Society in Polo. She served 2 terms as trustee on the Buffalo Township Board and also served as secretary for the Polo School Board Foundation and for the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women in Rockford.
Survivors include daughter Julene (Craig) Cheatham of Polo; sons Larry (Mary Ellen Garcia) Blum of Arizona and Michael Blum of Polo; sister Gladys Osborne of Mt. Morris; grandchildren Lori Blum, Amy Smith, Matthew Blum, Katy Blum, Terah Cheatham and Drew Cheatham; 7 Great Grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a daughter Bonnie; daughter-in-law Carol Blum; sister Helen Benson; brother Frederick Odenthal; brothers-in-law Hubert Osborne and Fred Benson.
A memorial mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 7th at St. Mary Catholic Church in Polo with Rev. Richard Kramer officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Mary Catholic Church, Polo, or the Polo Public Library Foundation.
Honoring Arlene’s wishes cremation rites have been accorded.
Condolences may also be sent to pffh.condolences@gmail.com.
