Joseph Earl Blume

Joseph Earl Blume, age 79, of Herman, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Essentia Health Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota, after a brief illness.

Joe was born on September 15, 1946, in Wheaton, Minnesota, to Harold and Elizabeth “Betty” (Newberger) Blume. The second of eight children, he grew up on the family farm south of Herman, where he developed the steady, dependable approach he took to everything in life. As a young man, he showed beef cattle at the Minnesota State Fair and served as president of the Future Farmers of America chapter at Herman High School, graduating in 1964.

After attending North Dakota State University for a semester and participating in Air Force ROTC, Joe enlisted in the United States Navy. Following boot camp in San Diego, he served four years in Naval Air Intelligence, traveling the world aboard the aircraft carriers USS Kitty Hawk and USS Forrestal. While serving on the Forrestal during the Vietnam War, he survived the devastating fire of July 29, 1967, in the Gulf of Tonkin.

Following his military service, Joe earned his private pilot’s license, farmed, and worked at the parts counter of Blume Equipment. While visiting his Navy buddies in Colorado, he met Susan Wright, a teacher from Minnesota who was there spending the holidays with her family.

Joe and Susan were married on June 10, 1972, at St. Charles Catholic Church. They made their home in Herman before moving to the family farm, where they raised their children, Andrea and Greg. Joe farmed for more than 50 years, working alongside his brothers and later his son, raising sugar beets, corn, wheat, soybeans, sunflowers, and alfalfa.

Deeply committed to his community, Joe served through the Herman American Legion, the Herman Development Corporation, St. Charles Catholic Church, and the Herman-Norcross School Board. Above all, he cherished his seven grandchildren and enjoyed cheering them on at their activities. He had a lifelong love of photography and was often spotted with his camera in hand, capturing happenings around Herman. Known for his quick wit, endless curiosity, and gift for striking up a conversation with just about anyone, he was also fond of gifting the $2 bill, and was famous for his enthusiastic “Go Navy!” during the annual Veterans Day program.

Joe is survived by his wife of 54 years, Susan; daughter Andrea (Jeff) Tilkes of Savage; son Greg (Heidi) Blume of Herman; grandchildren: Hunter (Sophie), Lauren, Natalie, Zander, Brielle, Mya, and Ryder; brothers Walt (Patt), Paul (Beth), and Fr. David Blume; sister Pat (Greg) Knight; 18 nieces and nephews; and a large extended family and friends who will forever hold him in their hearts.

He was preceded in death by his twin infant daughters, Christine and Colleen; his parents, Harold and Betty Blume; his parents‑in‑law, Ralph and Margaret Wright; sisters Ginny Summer and Kathy Bacon; and brother Mike Blume.

A Memorial Mass will be held Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Herman, MN with Father Jose Chettoor Celebrant. Visitation will be held one hour prior to Mass at the church. A Celebration of Life will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Herman Community Center following burial at Lakeside Cemetery. Military rites will be provided by C. Walter Larson American Legion Post #378.

In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to St. Charles Catholic Church or the Herman Community Center.