Melvin W. Bloom, 80

Melvin W. “Mel” Bloom, 80, died Nov. 15, 2020, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was born in Bozeman to Claude and Lottie (Murray) Bloom.

The family moved to Libby when Mel was 7 years old. He graduated from Libby High School in 1958. Mel lived in Libby until his passing; he married Nancy K. (Riley) Bloom in 1961.

Mel was a graduate gunsmith. His passion of working on cars carried over to working at Valley Motor/Carquest for 23 years. He was a lifetime member of the North American Hunting Club, NRA and American Gunsmithing Association.

Mel’s father, mother and brother, Delbert Bloom, preceded him in death.

Mel spent many summers teaching and helping his grandson build and work on racecars. He spent a few years traveling the state of Montana, enduring many motocross races with his great-grandson. He also spent many hours in the bleachers during softball, volleyball and basketball games for his granddaughter and later his great-granddaughters. Mel was a lifelong enthusiast of DeSoto, Plymouth and Dodge vehicles.

Mel is survived by his wife of 59 years, Nancy Bloom; sister, Lorraine (Rain) Barkhoff and significant other, Gene Hutchinson of Hobson; children, Gerry Bloom and Glenda (Tom) Havens of Kalispell; grandchildren, Kristy Harbaugh of Jordan, Zach Havens, both of Kalispell, and Courtney (Adam) Anderson of Libby; great-grandchildren, Piper, Simon, Eliza and Willa Harbaugh of Jordan, Riley Havens of Kalispell, and Payton, Aspen and Kimber Anderson of Libby.

Due to COVID-19, the family is not planning any services currently. A memorial for Mel will be arranged at a later date.

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Please send online condolences to www.schnackenbergfh.com.