Cleo, “Junior,” as he was affectionately known, was born February 2, 1925 at LaPlata, Missouri. In the spring of the same year he and his family moved to a ranch south of Valentine, Nebraska. He attended country school and then graduated high school in Meadville, Pennsylvania where he lived with his Aunt Alpha Soupos. Three years later, 1946, he earned his degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri Columbia. He loved music and singing so he attended Julliard School of Music in New York City, studying voice. He continued his studies at the University of Omaha School of Music, and the Denver Conservatory School of Music. He performed for many weddings and funerals.
Jr. returned to Nebraska to engage in the ranching and cattle business with his father south of Wood Lake and later north of Ainsworth, Nebraska. Together they developed a premier, Registered Angus breeding herd. In 1956, he married the love of his life, Frances Hans Wells. Together they purchased and successfully operated Stilwell Insurance Agency. Junior sold the agency in the mid 1990s and retired to enjoy his love for golf, shooting, and fishing with his many close friends, who he holds dearly.
“Uncle Jr.” was preceded in death by his wife, Frances, and his parents, Cleo and Esther. He is survived by one brother, George Bloom, of Amarillo, Texas and also Mike Bloom of Lewiston, Montana, Waldi Bloom, and son Ty of Billings, Montana, nephew, George Allen Bloom of Amarillo, Texas, niece Roseta Bloom Seagraves of Bridgeport, Texas and her family. He had many close friends and acquaintances who will miss his cheery smile, his whistles, and his son, and his shared laughter.
Funeral arrangements were handled by Homes Funeral Home. [Interment Mt. Hope Cemetery]
Contributed by: Shelli Steedman