There are easier ways to spend 89 years than on horseback, but Bart Blum wasn’t interested in any of them. With wife Pat’s care and attention, Bart remained on the ranch until his health forced a move in late August.

When he died peacefully with family by his side at Highmore Healthcare on September 2, 2026, we are certain his beloved brother John met him at the gates with a hearty welcome and a saddled steed.

A rancher by occupation and cowboy by nature, Bart spent his life raising cattle, riding good horses, and advocating for industries and ways of life he loved deeply.

He collected a remarkable number of titles and honors along the way, but those who knew Bart best remember him less for what he earned and more for who he was.

Bart was born November 6, 1936 to Erwin and Louise (Bartine) Blum. He grew up alongside his older sister, Marlene, and younger brother, John, on the White River south of Oacoma. Their father, Erwin, died two months before Bart’s high school graduation. Though Erwin’s death detoured the family’s path, it did not change their roots or desire to stay true to them.

Bart left Chamberlain and an illustrious football reputation in 1955 when he headed to South Dakota State University. There, he flourished.

His four years at SDSU were filled with student government, club memberships, livestock and meats judging plus Little I participation and beef unit employment.

Rodeo, however, held his heart.

Bart was a celebrated member of SDSU’s rodeo team where he competed in both steer wrestling and calf roping while taking on leadership roles as they arose. His time in Brookings solidified his commitment to helping the rodeo tradition continue through Steers for State and other programs.

Bart remained an active member of the rodeo circuit long past most cowboys. He earned numerous senior man titles and cherished team penning competitions with his daughter Mary Pat until he was 83 years old.

On June 3, 1962 – three months after officially launching the Blum Brothers Ranch with John at its current location – Bart married Patricia Holst.

In their 64 years together, they raised two capable daughters, built a life on Fort Hale Bottom, and enjoyed the love of five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Papa was his favorite title. He and Pat put on countless miles traveling throughout South Dakota for Mary’s kids and across the ocean to Australia for Pennie’s. The years he spent enjoying his grandkids’ activities were topped only by the recent years with his great-grandchildren. Though Papa will miss their arrival, he was tickled to know three more great-grandbabies are on the way.

Bart and Pat quietly became a power couple of advocacy for the beef and rodeo industries.

From SD Stockgrowers and the SD Brand Board to beef councils and 4-H to church, their work together never kept either from establishing a legacy of their own. Yet, they were especially honored to share two notable titles. Pat was named an Eminent Farmer by SDSU in 2002 and inducted into the SD Hall of Fame in 2006; Bart received the same honors in 2006 and 2009.

While Bart appreciated public service and happily stepped up to fill roles that required travel and commitment, the ranch was his peace.

He cherished quiet rides through river hill pastures and took care to make sure some of those rides included the opportunity to teach or share wisdom with the next generation. He favored running the packing tractor each fall and knew sister-in-law Ruth’s lunches would include his favorite baked sweets.

Bart looked forward to sorting cattle on horseback and branding calves each spring. When he turned those duties over, Bart enjoyed supervising from the seat of whatever vehicle fit the bill, especially when he realized the snack options always included Tootsie Pops, Fanta, and at least a few freshly cooked “oysters.” His promotion to supervisor guaranteed the crew better treats and lots of lessons.

John often told people, “Give Bart a saddled horse, roll of black tape, and some baling wire. Then, he can fix anything.” For brothers bound by experience and known for their resolute demeanor, it was one of the highest compliments.

With support from their wives, they worked as a seamless team. They welcomed Jay to the fold full-time in 1993. Bart took John’s illness and death in 2025 hard. As he once told Jay, “You know, I was with John for almost 87 years, and that’s all I need to say about that.” Helping transition what he and John started to Jay and his family was a source of pride. That same pride carried over to seeing each of his girls build ranches with their families.

Bart is survived by his beloved wife, Pat; daughters Mary Pat (Kenny) Fawcett of Ree Heights and Penelope “Pennie” (Paul) Gill of Kerang, Victoria, Australia; special nephew Jay (Amy) Blum, rural Oacoma; grandchildren McKenzie (Ray) Meyer of Cavour, SD, Lane (Shaina) Fawcett of Ree Heights, SD, Ryan (Janelle) Gill of Kerang, Lachlan (Lily) Gill of Los Angeles, CA, and Samantha (Tristin) Lockwood of Kerang; special great-niece and nephews Piper, Chance, Chisum, and Cyrus Blum; great-grandchildren Luke Meyer, Jep Gill, and Colter Fawcett; sisters-in-law Ruth Blum, rural Oacoma, and Mona Johnson, Forsyth, MT; brother-in-law Larry Holst (Marinell) of Deerwood, MN; a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and their families plus generations of friends and neighbors who shared the trail with him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin and Louise; sister Marlene Olivier and her husband, Ivan; brother John Blum; brothers-in-law Gary Johnson and Lance Holst; and sister-in-law Nancy Badger and her husband Roy.

Funeral services for Bartine E. “Bart” Blum, 89, of Reliance, SD will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 16, 2026 with visitation beginning one hour prior to the funeral at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Chamberlain, SD with burial at St. Alban’s Episcopal Cemetery at Fort Hale Bottom, SD. Visitation will begin Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. with 7:00 p.m., prayer service at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Chamberlain, SD.