"I am going to miss seeing Bernie at the Iowa State Fair. I always looked forward to his smiling face. He was always so happy and made my day at the fair. Sympathies to everyone in the family. Jan take care. "
In loving memory of
Bernard E. Blubaugh
October 31, 1938 - November 17, 2017
Bernard Eugene Blubaugh, 79 of Valeria, died Friday, November 17, 2017, at Valley Baptist Hospital in Harlingen, Texas from complications of acute leukemia. He leaves his wife of 56 years, Janice (Reynolds) Blubaugh; daughters, Cindy Blubaugh, Kathy (Pete Bowen) Hale, and Lisa Blubaugh; grandchildren, Trevor (Lyndsay) Neuendorf, Courtney Neuendorf, Blake (Kelsey) Hale, Natalie Hale and Brian Blubaugh; sister, Sharon Blubaugh; brothers, Leo (Pat) Blubaugh, Robert (Mariann) Blubaugh, and James (Judy) Blubaugh as well as several nieces, nephew and a whole lot of friends. Bernard was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Teresa Ann (Blubaugh) Neuendorf.
Bernard was born to Fred and Agnes Blubaugh in Melrose, Iowa. He attended Russel High School and then following graduation served for four years in the United States Air Force. After serving his country, he married his high school sweetheart, Janice. They raised their family in Valeria, Iowa and after 30 year retired from Maytag.
Bernard always loved to brag to everyone about his children and grandchildren. He also loved helping local farmers, finding any excuse he could to go to Hy-Vee to gab with everyone and giving his friends a hard time. Summers he and Janice spent as much time as possible camping at state parks and loved camping at the Iowa State Fair. The last 14 winters, they spent in San Benito, Texas at Fun-n-Sun RV Resort, where they were involved in many different activities.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Colfax. Burial with Military Rites will take place at McKeever Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Friday, November 24, 2017 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family and condolences may be left for them at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com.
Tributes
"Sending my thoughts and prayers to Bernie's Family, always enjoyed seeing him on my route, Bill ups "
"Our prayers and sympathies are extended to the family and friends of Bernard Blubaugh."
"Thoughts go out to Bernie's whole family. Always enjoyed 'shooting the bull' with Bernie back in the day. He loved talking about his kids, life in general, and never missed a chance to give me some philosophical advice! RIP, friend. "
"Rest in Peace Bernie, enjoyed our little conversations when you worked on the crating line in auto assembly. If I remember right we both were honored with out daughters being homecoming queens the very same year. Peace be with the Family, God Bless."
"I worked beside Bernie many years at Maytag, Never regretted calling him a friend . I heard every day how much he loved his Family but I also heard his love for his Savior! I remember how proud he was that he got to see the Pope at The living History Farm. Thanks Bernie, May you RIP! Your Friend Ray Sparks"
"Rest In Peace Bernie, I have many great memory's of you and Jance and the girls, great neighbor and friend. You will be missed. I have funny stories of us riding to and from Maytag on the 2nd shift, one time you ran over a skunk, of the stinker unloaded his rotten Oder the hole length of your old green chevy. Next time I ran over a raccoon, we stopped pick it up for my Dad to add to pelts, next morning Dad went to my car get critter, and he was'nt happy the coon was still alive. Bernie laughed many times of those adventures. You will always be my special friend Randy Wagner"
"Pat and I want to extend our deepest sympathy to Janice and all the family. Bernie will be missed by all who knew him. My first memories of Bernie was when my mom sold Avon many years ago. At church in Valeria he loved interacting with all the kids. Most recently seeing them sitting in the back row at St. Joseph's church. Helped make that church seem more like home. Peace be with you Bernie."