Frederick Walter Bloch, age 68 of rural Westbrook, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at his home. Memorial Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday October 2 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church (7 miles south of Walnut Grove). Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Sunday at the church and will continue one hour prior to services on Monday. Interment will be at St. Olaf Lutheran Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Frederick Walter Bloch was born October 15, 1948 to Ernest and Lila (Peterson) Bloch at “the old” Slayton Hospital. He was baptized and confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in Westbrook, MN. Fred attended country school District #108 through 8th grade, then graduated from Westbrook High School in 1968. At age 16, he began farming his own farm in Rosehill Township. After graduation, he started working for Herman Boeck’s Construction. Later Fred began working for the DNR at Lake Talcot. In 1973, his father retired from farming and Fred took over the family farm in Des Moines River and Dovray Townships. He milked cows, farrowed hogs, and raised sheep, goats, horses and fox. He also farmed DNR land near Dovray, MN and Lake Julia for many years. On January 19, 1974 Fred married Darla Kottke at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Fred became a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, where he has been a member ever since. He loved people and going to auctions and sales with his family and friends. Fred loved being in the woods, hunting, trapping and fishing. He enjoyed football, baseball, playing for the VFW softball league and bowling. When at home, he was always watching the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings or The Weather Channel. Fred had a laugh that was infectious and had an awesome sense of humor. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Fred is survived by his wife Darla of 43 years; daughter: Annalie (Joe) Plaetz of Westbrook; grandchildren: Frederick, Henry and Lila Plaetz; two brothers: James (Darlene) Bloch of Westbrook and Robert (Ruth) Bloch of Belgrade, MT; mother-in-law Leona Kottke of Walnut Grove; brothers- and sisters-in-law Ron (Shari) Kottke, LeRoy (Bonnie) Kottke, Kevin (Marikay) Kottke, Diane Kottke, Dawn Possehl, Mary (Paul) Tomasek, Heidi Brod, Keith (Chiloe) Kottke and Kristi (Kevin) Curd and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Donald Kottke, and brothers-in-law: John Kottke and Dave Possehl.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Even though we were not around Walnut Very often, Fred always made a point of making us feel a part of t he family. He will be missed. Our prayer is that God will be your strength and refuge during this time..
Thanks love you so much
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. What a heartbreak. Love and light to your entire family.
Dear Darla, Annalie, Joe, and all family members….I was surprised to hear of Fred’s passing. This was a very well written, and most deserving obituary. It described a man of many talents, and interests. Please know you will all be in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days. May you be comforted by cherishing happy memories of times with Fred. Love to all of you. Sincerely, Eunie C.
Oh Darla, I am so sorry. Deepest sympathy.
Darla and Family, so sorry to hear hear about Fred’s passing. I will be praying for you and your family. Mary Ann Gross
Dear Darla & Annalie! So very sorry for your loss. Sending up prayers for the family at this difficult time. May all your wonderful memories help in the days to come. Sending ((((HUGS)))) for you all.
Darwin & Deb Saxton
So sorry for you loss. We always knew Fred as “Freddie”, probably something that was passed on to us from dad (Bud Rachuy). He was always such a friendly neighbor and had the kind of laugh that you couldn’t help but laugh with him.
He will be missed!
God Bless you Darla and Annalie and your family.
Ann (Rachuy) Tighe
Darla, so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. You have our sympathy and prayers.
Deepest heartfelt condolences Darla.
Darla & Family, we were so surprised to hear of Fred’s passing. Our sympathy and prayers for God to carry you through this time are sent to you. Now he is no longer in any pain and is at peace. We look forward to seeing your lovely smile again. God be with you all.
Darla and family,
So sorry! Fred and the rest of us at country school played alot of softball, football, anti I over and many more! Fred was in my class and on our bus route. My grandpa and uncle Pete ran his grandparents farm by Dovray for years! I learned to drive Pete’s pickup on that place! I remember his grandma making delicious bread, cookies etc on a cook stove! You took care of Gramma Rose in the hospital!