Vern Blehm

Vern Lee Blehm, 60, passed away the morning of Oct. 4, 2006. Vern was at home with Hospice care, surrounded by loving family and in sight of his old friends Farmall, International and John Deere. Vern lived his entire life in Fort Collins and was blessed to spend the last few days of his life on this land that he loved, complete with hayfields, mountain views and splendid sunsets. Vern loved life and lived it fully. He had a passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles, snowmobiles and farming. After a long day, you just might find Vern, feet up, watching American Choppers or over at the Broiler. In the early days Vern loved to bowl and water ski. Farming was an important part of Vern's life and putting up his own hay was something he did with pride. With his loving heart of gold, Vern spent many a harvest helping his stepson, Christopher Schnorr. Vern loved to be Grandpa. The munchkins, as Vern called the grandkids, Shelby Schnorr, 5; and Jeffrey Schnorr, 3; were an important part of his life. His eyes twinkled with delight as he played with them and snuggled them in to read a book. Living a complete life, to Vern, was being surrounded by good friends. People loved Vern and Vern loved them. He was a friend you could count on. If you needed help, Vern was there and his smile was contagious. Near the end, friends came in endless streams to say goodbye. We would like to express our appreciation for the loving kindness shown to Vern through his courageous and valiant fight with cancer. Vern knew how to play and he knew how to work. His strong German work ethic was inspiring. After training in the Army Reserves as a heavy equipment operator and mechanic, Vern went to work for the city of Fort Collins. There he spent 38 dedicated years in service as the line crew chief supervisor of heavy equipment for Fort Collins Light and Power. Vern retired in September 2006. Vern was preceded in death by his parents, Solomon Blehm and Clara Fabrizius Blehm. He is survived by his loving wife, Abbie Dale Schnorr Blehm; sister, Delores Blehm; stepson, Christopher and wife Anna Schnorr; grandchildren Jeffrey and Shelby Schnorr; stepdaughter, Rebecca and husband Micah Jones; his aunt, Rachel Durr; uncle, Edward Blehm; as well as many close cousins and countless close friends. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Our Savior's Lutheran Church 2000 S. Lemay, with interment at Grandview Cemetery. Reception will follow graveside service. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and Hospice of Northern Colorado, in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel