S.D., died on Tuesday, April 2, at the Philip
Nursing Home.
Lenora “Norie” Jane Bloom was born to
Bud and Lucyle (Kelly) Bloom on May 11,
1939, in Quinn, S.D. She was a beloved little
sister to her brother Jim.
She grew up on the family ranch south of
Quinn where as a child she loved spending
hours in the saddle with her mom and dad.
She especially enjoyed riding and playing
in the scenic badlands. One of her favorite
childhood memories was attending the many
Kelly and Bloom family get-togethers with
all of her aunts, uncles and cousins; she often
would fondly recall the wonderful family
dinners at Grandma Nora Kelly’s house in
Quinn. Lenora descended from a long line
of strong Irish Catholic women, and at the
top of her priority list was passing her faith
down to her children and grandchildren.
Lenora graduated from Quinn High
School as the class valedictorian in 1957.
She then attended Chadron State College in
Nebraska and graduated with degrees in elementary education and art. Upon graduation
she accepted a position as second-grade teacher in Pinedale. While in Pinedale, she met
her beloved husband Larry. They had a mutual love for horses and enjoyed riding together
and taking pack trips into the mountains. Larry proposed to Lenora on St. Patrick’s Day in
1962 and they were married on June 2 of that year in Quinn. They were blessed with five
children: Kelly, Shaun, Lorie, and TJ. Another son, Larry John, was stillborn. Larry and
Lenora made their home and their life together on a ranch in Quinn, where they remained
all their married life. Lenora was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.
Lenora was a gifted educator, passing on her love of reading to her students and family
during her 40-year career within the Wall School District. She retired from teaching in 2004,
but she stayed busy as a substitute for many years.
Lenora’s top priority and greatest joy was caring for and loving her husband and family.
She never missed an opportunity to support and cheer for her children and grandchildren
whether in the rodeo arena or at an athletic event. She had an outgoing and positive personality,
and she felt comfortable in any crowd. She was always happy to strike up a conversation,
and she could always think of something to visit about.
Lenora was a testament to true courage as she suffered greatly the last few years of her
life with several health issues. Losing her ability to be independent was truly devastating
to her, but she never let it get her down for long. She was a true example of what redemptive
suffering and faith are all about. She never stopped wanting to participate in family
gatherings, but more importantly she made sure that Larry or other family members always
took her to Mass. Her courage, strength, commitment and faith are now her legacy. Her last
outing was to her husband Larry’s funeral which took place the day before she passed from
this life. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Wall.
She was so loved and will be greatly missed by her daughter Kelly and Jem Kjerstad, of
Quinn; son Shaun and Michelle Ruland, of Quinn; daughter Lorie and Dale Cahoy, of Sheridan;
son TJ and Miranda Ruland, of Quinn; 12 grandchildren: Dillon (Courtney) Kjerstad,
Ryan (Amanda) Kjerstad, Brittany (Ryan) McKnight, Sister Joan Kolbe, and Paige Kjerstad;
Riley and Shelby Ruland; Kylee (Joe) Frost and Shyanna Cahoy; Iyla, Maverick and
Pruitt Ruland; eight great-grandchildren: Teelan, Presley, Tenley, Ryer, Kaden, Grayson,
Taelyn and Brynn; her brother Dr. James Bloom and his wife Maggie of Rapid City. S.D.;
and a host of other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Larry on March 28; an infant son Larry John;
and her parents Willard “Bud” and Lucyle Bloom.
A visitation was conducted from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 5, with a prayer and
rosary service starting at 7 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Wall.
Mass of Christian Burial was conducted at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, at St. Patricks
Catholic Church in Wall with Father Dan Juelfs as celebrant.
Interment was at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Quinn. Arrangements are with Rush Funeral
Home of Wall.
