Greta Stunz Bleakman
Nov. 25, 1928 – July 1, 2022
Greta Stunz Bleakman passed away peacefully at her home in Garden City, Idaho on July 1, 2022. She was 93.
Greta was born on Nov. 25, 1928, in Cascade, Idaho, to Emil and Alta Stunz. The family lived briefly in Horseshoe Bend, Idaho, before settling in Nyssa, Oregon, in 1938. Greta graduated from Nyssa High School in 1946 and attended Boise Junior College, a two-year institution before it became Boise State University. She was vice president of her freshman class at BJC and became acting class president when that office was vacated.
She continued her education at the University of Oregon, earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a medical technology certification. She was active in the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.
In 1952 Greta married Norman Bleakman, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her beloved parents and brother Gene Stunz who passed in March 2021. She is survived by her children, Richard Norman Bleakman of Garden City, Bruce Emil Bleakman of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and Julie Bleakman of Los Angeles; and her grandchildren Cleo Forman and Juliet Forman. Later in life, Greta became good friends with Thomas McFall, with whom she enjoyed special times before his death several years ago.
Over her long career Greta worked as a medical technologist at St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center, Boise VA Medical Center, Saint Alphonsus Medical Center, Eastmoreland Hospital in Portland, Oregon, and Douglas Community Hospital in Roseburg, Oregon.
Greta was thoughtful, kind and loved by all who knew her well. She was an avid bridge player and loved to nurture the gardens surrounding the house she designed herself. She loved reading Louis L’Amour novels.
The family extends our sincere thanks to Dr. Karen East, St. Luke’s Home Healthcare, St. Luke’s Hospice, and Assisting Hands of Boise.
A memorial service and celebration of Greta’s life is planned for Saturday, Sept. 24, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Willowbrook Community Clubhouse, 8291 W. Clubhouse Lane, Garden City, Idaho.