Delwin Bluhm

February 3, 1963 ~ January 2, 2019
Delwin Dean “Matt” Bluhm age 55 of Charles City, passed away Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at the Muse Norris Hospice Home in Mason City surrounded by his family.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 7, 2019 at Trinity United Methodist Church, Charles City, with Rev. Jim Beranek presiding. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery with Brad "Beak" Michael, Burt Davis, Tom Schlindwein, Bryan Hugeback, Mike Peterson, Jeff Hagg, Jim Chambers, and Jim Wickwire serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers include his father and best friend, Donald Bluhm, his son, Jamie Bluhm, Bob Strayer, Will Knecht, Shawn LaBarge, Alex Peterson, Kristi Majewski, Abby Peterson, and Keith Starr.
Friends may greet the family 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Sunday, January 6, 2019, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Charles City. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. At the request of the family, you are more that welcome to wear jeans as 'Matt" would have wanted this to be casual.
Delwin Dean “Matt” Bluhm was born February 3, 1963, in Charles City, IA, the first born child of Donald and Judy (Darrow) Bluhm. He graduated from Charles City High School in 1981 and then went on to earn his BS degree from Luther College in 1985. When he wasn't at school, he was at his father's side learning the ranks of the greenhouse business at the early age of 9 years old. He was also very active in scouting and obtained the rank of Eagle Scout.
In 1988, his son Jamie was born. On September 12, 1992, he married his high school classmate Cheryl Uker. To this union a daughter, Kylie was born. The couple later divorced but remained very close friends.
Matt purchased the greenhouse business from his father in 1988. He was known for his generous heart and enjoyed giving great products and service to his customers. While operating the greenhouses he also worked at Solvay until 1997 when he decided to further expand the greenhouse business. He later purchased four car wash operations located in both Charles City and Mason City.
Anyone who knew Matt, knew of his love for the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and hunter who was always looking forward to spending time with his dad in pursuit of those walleye and deer. With all the time he spent outdoors, he ended up having many fishing and hunting stories. His freezer was always full of fresh game which he generously shared with his family and friends.
Matt built one final greenhouse, finishing the day before the temperature dropped and the snow flew. That same weekend, he shot a deer and completed his final hunt. In his final months, he was blessed to spend priceless personal time with his family and friends. Many stories, jokes, laughs, and tears were shared. He died peacefully and full of love, in the midst of his caring family.
Survivors include his children; Jamie Bluhm of Charles City, Kylie (Will) Knecht of Waverly; his father, Don Bluhm of Charles City; two sisters, Donna LaBarge of Miami, FL, Deb Peterson of Big Lake, MN; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; special friend, Kari Klemesrud of Charles City.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Judy Bluhm on February 9, 2013.
Thoughts and prayers to all the Bluhm family. Always enjoyed working with Matt and Deb at the flower shop and the greenhouses.
Despite having several months to say goodbye, I still can’t believe you are gone. In 35 years we had countless trips, fishing, hunting, partying, working, euchre, eating hot food, and some studying. We have been friends for so long, I can’t remember which of us was the bad influence. A terrible loss of a scientific, analytical, calculating mind, along with a gentle but passionate soul. I can’t get over all of the things you tackled in a life too short……a scientist, chemist, horticulturalist, merchandiser, tax man, mechanic, laborer, investor, entrepreneur, father, to name a few. Nothing scared you or intimidated you, not even the cancer could change your attitude. We are still on the “same path” old friend, you are just out in front of me, around the bend and out of sight, but we are still on the “same path”. Some day we will all catch up and reunite for another couple games of euchre and some Schmidt beer. Until then, we will have to move on with only your spirit and memory.
I was shocked to see this. My thoughts to the family. I enjoyed working with Matt at the greenhouse. Still in shock..I haven’t seen Matt in a few years and wish now that I had the opportunity. RIP Matt.. u will be missed. Jeannie
I am truly saddened to hear of the passing of Delwin. I have known Delwin for many years, he was truly a very kind & loving soul. I will miss his guidance when I go every spring to buy my annual flowers. Sending hugs to all his family and friends. RIP Delwin
So sorry for your loss! Del will be missed, I appreciated his knowledge and discussions about plants ever season! What a nice guy! Hugs to you all!!
He was an amazing man and I am very shocked and saddened by the loss. You have my most sincerest sympathy!
Will miss Del’s friendship and his vast horticulture knowledge at the greenhouse. His skills made it the best place to buy geraniums, hanging baskets and other spring flowers. A great loss for his family and the community. Sending my sympathy and prayers to Don, Kylie and his sisters.
Deepest sympathy from the Aird family he will be greatly missed. The memories can never be erased.
Thoughts and prayers to the entire family. I remember when I had Teagan in my class and Del came out to Fort Dodge Animal Health and dug holes for our bird house trail. He was always willing to do anything to help out.
We are so sad to hear this news. Can only imagine what you are going through. Delwin was such a great guy and the Bluhm’s are such a terrific family. Saying prayers for you to find strength to help you on this journey.
So sorry for your loss to the Bluhm family. Seriously the kindest most loving family. You will most definitely be missed by so many Matt.
My deepest sympathy to the Bluhm Family, especially Kylie. May you find peace and comfort in your faith, family, and friends. Brenda Buzynski
My deepest sympathy to The Bluhm Family. The first time I met Delwin was when Don and Judy lived in a small apt. In C.C. Delwin was a newly born baby. My family has many happy Memories of time spent with Delwin . Especially when he brought his Uncle KEN to visit us. Delwin ‘Matt’ will be a loving Memory to all of My Family. Barbara Denson
Del will be missed by many! My sympathy to his family! I was fortunate to call you friend and coworker. Your memories will be with your family forever.
Rest in peace buddy! I’ll miss talking to you and your laughter! You were a WONDERFUL man in the short time I got to know you! My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy to Matt’s family!!
Jessica Carter
MyGuy, Inc.
+To Kylie and the Bluhm family your in my thoughts and prayers. I will miss seeing Matt at the green house in the summer. I am so sorry for your loss.
So many memories it’s hard to choose. Most memorable times would be spent on the water with Matt and Uncle Don fishing on Clear Lake. I loved to spend time lick this while visiting. Love you and will miss you so much. Allan Seelye (Cousin/Bro. )
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Matt (Delwin) Bluhm. Although we have not known him long, we became good friends in a short time. We will miss him and remember him always. Rest in peace, Matt.
Matt set the gold standard for what it is to be a good neighbor. He was always the first to offer us a hand in all the floods and storms – gas for our generator, water pumps, and use of his tractor. His kindness and generosity will never be forgotten. Our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Mike, Tonia, and Tiffany Munshower
Our deepest sympathies to Kylie, Don, his children and family. Matt was a great friend and a business associate. We will miss him and everytime I look at a beautiful geranium basket , I will remember his expertise in growing them. RIP Matt Keith & Deb Wolf (HyVee East Garden Center)
You will be missed and always loved, no one knew this but you taught me a lot when I was young, You will always be in my heart and apart of my life, I love you, you will be missed!
I always enjoyed visiting with Matt when I purchased flowers from him each spring. It was evident that he liked to share his knowledge of plants with the buyer as I would observe him answering others’ questions in a kind way, never rushing to complete a purchase. I will miss him. My sympathy to his family.
What a shock to see this in the paper! I knew Matt was having some health challenges but he hid his ailments well. He was a treasured friend and co-worker. His passing is not only a great loss to friends and family but to the community as well. I knew Matt to be a hard worker who wore his heart on his sleeve. I will miss him!
We are so sorry to hear of Matt’s passing. We had a long and wonderful relationship with him. We send our prayers for strength and comfort to all.
Jack & Twylla Baker
Sympathy to all of Matt’s family. We didn’t know he was ill, shocked to hear the news. Couldn’t ask for a better friend – a better man! When Winnebego closed it’s doors years ago, Matt employed Doug for a short time to help us through till he found another job. He would always reserve a spot down at his car wash on Main Street for Comprehensive Systems residents to set up & watch the parade during the 4th of July.. He seemed to always be helping someone, somewhere. We were blessed to know him & call him friend. Sending prayers, love and strength! Doug & Wendy Ross
I knew Delwin when he worked a Solvay – he worked with my husband at Calvary Cemetery taking care and planting the urns. I was a customer and enjoyed visiting with him every spring when it was time to plant – my sympathy and prayers for all his family. He was very kind and will be missed.
Fran Oldham
My sympathy to Don & all the Bluhm family. I was shocked when my sister told me Delwin had passed away. He was so young & I’m so sorry, Don, for your loss. It was 55 years ago that Judy & I both anxiously awaited the arrival of our babies.. I was expected to deliver a few days before Judy BUT she surprised us & Delwin were born on the 3rd & my son on the 9th. Judy was my best friend in those early years. Judy & Delwin & me & my son Jimmy got together every week. Don, so many card games we played as young couples with the kids playing. The tributes tell me Delwin was a wonderful young man. Eileene & Larry Katcher