Benjamin R. Blumer, 85

Benjamin R. Blumer, 85, formerly of Kalispell, passed away peacefully at his Coupeville, Wash., home, surrounded by loved ones and friends, on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009. Mr. Blumer was born in Terry on June 2, 1924, to John and Frances (Sterr) Blumer. His family moved to northeastern Montana when Ben was a small child, and farmed there for several years, before relocating to Kalispell. Ben became employed at the shipyards in Portland, and later became a heavy-duty equipment mechanic, a career which he pursued for many years. Ben was married on March 24, 1948, to Peggy Jean Bryan of Kalispell. The couple moved with Ben s work in Montana and Oregon, before coming to Hanford, Wash., where he retired in 1986. Coming to Whidbey Island, Wash., in that same year, Ben was able to pursue such interests as gardening and fishing. He and Peggy also enjoyed traveling, wintering regularly in Yuma, Ariz. They also traveled to Alaska and Mexico. Ben and Peggy had been active members of the Lutheran Church in Kennewick, Wash., for many years. Ben is survived by his wife, Peggy, at home in Coupeville; daughter, Lori Vail and Loren, of Bonney Lake, Wash.; two granddaughters, Shannon and Katie Vail, both of Bonney Lake; sister, Blanche Garrett, of Kalispell; four brothers, Harold Blumer of Kalispell, Larry Blumer and Rose of Columbia Falls, Eldon Blumer and Ellen of Lindsay, Calif., and Richard Blumer and Nanette of Visalia, Calif.; also, numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Ben was preceded in death by a daughter, Doris; and a son, Glen; as well as by two brothers, Jonathan and Clayton. Plans are under way for a memorial service, which will be held in Coupeville, Wash. Inurnment will take place later in Kalispell. Memorials are suggested to Home Health Care and Hospice of Whidbey General Hospital, 101 N. Main St., Coupeville, WA 98239.