Jean C. Blouin

Jean Clara Prior Blouin, 88, tragically died from a fire at her residence in Fargo, ND, along with her husband Garnet Blouin on January 26, 2022.

Jean was born on April 6, 1933, at the Stevens County Hospital in Morris, MN, as the only child of Henry and Alma (Daberkow) Steinbring. She grew up in Hancock, MN, and attended Hancock Public Schools grades 1-12, graduating as valedictorian in 1950. She attended Moorhead State University graduating with a major in elementary education. She taught in Ortonville, Moorhead, and Renville, MN.

Jean married Arthur E. Prior on July 15, 1956. They were thrilled when they adopted a son and later had a daughter. Annual family camping trips were a highlight each summer. Art and Jean were married for 43 years and lived in Renville from 1957-1999, when Art passed away.

On August 25th, 2001, Jean married Garnet Blouin, at which time she moved to Fargo. They loved gardening together and were inseparable during their 20 years of marriage.

Starting at 16 years old, Jean taught piano and organ lessons for 52 years, touching the lives of so many.  She was also a church organist, worked at Jackpot Junction, Target in Willmar and Moorhead, and sold Discovery Toys, Dorling Kindersley Books, and Christmas Around the World, which earned her many trips.

She loved travelling, crafting, and attending sporting events, concerts, and plays. Above all else, she enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church in Renville and Hope Lutheran Church, Fargo, where at both places, she enjoyed growing her faith and the fellowship of friends through bible studies. Jean knew the promise of God, and we take comfort knowing she is in the presence of her Savior, and we will one day meet again.

Many pets captured Jean’s heart throughout her life including Barney, who passed away with them.

Jean will forever be remembered for her huge heart, her kindness, her generosity and love for family and friends.

Jean is survived by a son, David (Tina) Prior of Lake Nebagamon, WI; a daughter, Nancy (David) Schram of Bemidji, MN; grandchildren, Taylor (Jonathan) Olson, Cassandra (Matthew) Hietala, Benjamin Schram, and Alexa Prior; great-grandchildren, Wrenleigh Hietala and Nash Olson. She looked forward to the birth of a new great-granddaughter in February.

Celebrations of life will be held jointly for Garnet and Jean at Hope Lutheran Church (North Campus) in Fargo, ND on Saturday, February 5th at 1:00 PM with visitation 1 hour prior. A livestream of this service will be available here on Jean’s page.

A second Celebration of Life for Jean will be held on Saturday, February 12th at 11:00 AM with a visitation one hour before the service at First Lutheran Church in Renville, MN. Arrangements through Dirks-Blem Funeral Home, Renville, MN.