Bernice Arlene Blumer, always known as Arlene, was born on August 19, 1928 on a farm between Rutland and Bode, Iowa. Her parents were Johanna (Torkleson) Hanson and Mandius Hanson. Arlene grew up on the farm, and attended rural school in Humboldt County. She graduated from Bode High School in Bode, Iowa. Following high school, she attended Waldorf College in Forest City Iowa in 1946. Her teaching career began in a country school near Joice, Iowa. Arlene also taught in rural schools near Ottosen and Rutland, Iowa. From 1949-1951, she taught third grade in West Bend, Iowa.

Arlene married Cpl. James A. Blumer in 1951. Four children were born to this union. She continued teaching while her husband Jim was in the army. Upon his discharge from the army they farmed in Kossuth and Humboldt counties in Iowa until the end of 1958.

From 1959 to 1965 they lived in Farmington, New Mexico, where Arlene started a private kindergarten called Cinderella Kindergarten. This was a very successful kindergarten which Arlene owned and operated in both Farmington and Las Cruces, New Mexico for a total of nine years. The parents and others in the community recognized the high quality of education, and especially enjoyed the operettas she produced every year to show the musical talents of her students. Arlene was even asked to televise a live operetta in Farmington, but was unable to do this because of her move from Farmington to Las Cruces. She also taught Sunday School and served as president of the PTA. In addition to Arlene’s teaching, she was an active member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha sorority for many years.

The family moved to the Denver, Colorado area in 1967, where Arlene continued teaching in various private schools in the Northglenn and Broomfield area. Altogether she taught for 35 years. She was active in the Lutheran Church of Hope in Broomfield, serving as Sunday School superintendent, and a teacher trainer. Arlene loved singing in various church choirs, and sang regularly for many years. One of the most significant areas of service during her later years was as a Stephens Minister. This involved visiting people who were unable to attend church or aiding them. She was a loyal supporter of her husband’s musical activities, including ushering for performances of the Northland Chorale for many years.

Arlene is survived by her husband, James Blumer, children: David James (Marilyn), Cheryl Kaye Oathout, and Kristen Lee Blumer-Valdez (Steve), eight grandchildren: David (Heather) and Scott Oathout; Laine Blumer Valle (Wuilliam), Leah and Mark Blumer; Kaitlyn, Sedona and Bailee Valdez and six great-grandchildren: Terrance and Rylee Oathout; Fridda, Augustine, Lily-Ann and Zealand Valle; sisters: Jeanette Carlson, Marie Volentine, Charlotte Carson, Clara Teeter, brothers Clarence and Merle Hanson, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Orville, John, and Edward Hanson, and her son Paul Mandius Blumer.