Roman Louis Bleem, 90, of Preston, Illinois, passed away at 1:47 pm, Friday, March 27, 2026 at Mercy Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri.
He was born to the late Roman and Ella (nee Steinkamp) Bleem on March 27, 1936 in Ellis Grove, Illinois.
Roman married Juanita Walter on May 19, 1990 in Evansville, Illinois; she survives.
He had worked as a coal miner for Consolidated Coal Burning Star #3 at Schuline for 22 years.
Roman was a member of St. Pius V Catholic Church in Walsh, Illinois. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus #1952 in Evansville. Roman enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, gardening and playing cards. He was an avid wood worker and built many pieces of furniture in his life including gun cabinets, cedar chests and curio cabinets. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.
Survivors:
Wife:
Juanita “Needie” Bleem Walsh, IL
4 Children:
Steven (Lourie) Bleem Duncan, OK
Dana (Greg) Stacey Galesburg, IL
Diane (Rick) Hankins Shelbyville, IL
Susan (Stephen) Johnson St. Louis, MO
3 Step Children:
Maxine (Bruce) Mathis Ellis Grove, IL
Robert Walter, Jr. Walsh, IL
Scott Walter Sparta, IL
12 Grandchildren:
Skylar, Lacey, Ashley, Brandon, Britta, Shannon, Jake, Katy, Sami, Krystle, Kyle and Victoria
19 Great Grandchildren
Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends
Preceded in Death by: Parents and 4 Sisters – Romona Bleem, Elda Stirnaman, Mildred Fink and Dolores Stirnaman
Memorial Mass:
11:00 am, Saturday, April 11, 2026
St. Pius V Catholic Church, Walsh, Illinois
Officiating:
Fr. Charles Anyaoku
Fr. Iuvenis Iheme
Fr. Bob Flannery
Inurnment:
St. Pius V Catholic Cemetery
Walsh, Illinois
Visitation:
Saturday – 9:00 am – 11:00 am
St. Pius V Catholic Church, Walsh, Illinois
Memorials:
St. Pius V Catholic Cemetery Fund