Anna Marie Bleich

Anna Marie Bleich, 77, of California, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 21, 2022, while surrounded by her family.

Anna was born at the family farmhouse located on the Moniteau and Cole County line to Earnest Theodore and Louise Alvina (Strobel) Bleich, on August 18, 1945. She was named after Anna Albertine Cook and Lydia Marie Albertine Reischauer who were her godparents at baptism. She was baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, in California, MO, and was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Jefferson City, MO.

Anna learned the value of hard work and faith in God from her parents. Growing up at her family farm taught her many things including how to work and care for the land and assisting her family with daily duties, including preparing meals for the Bleich Sunday luncheons with the area neighbors.

She attended grade school at Trinity Lutheran School, in Jefferson City, MO, and graduated from California High School, in California, MO, in 1963.

At the age of 22, she purchased the Bleich Missouri Century Farm in Moniteau County, where she resided until she passed. The farm represented the hard work and dedication her family gave to come to America and establish themselves in their community.

Anna worked at various businesses throughout her life, including McGraw-Edison, a candy shop, and other unique places, but she spent the majority of her time in state government working for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Anna’s favorite times were spent working at the farm, treasure hunting with whomever was ready to find a bargain, making wine, cookies, and other treats, and celebrating the holidays with her extended family. From great food to fireworks, she enjoyed the time spent with them and cherished those memories each day.

Survivors include one son, R. Nathan Bess and wife Mindy, one grandson, Corbyn R. Bess, three brothers, Frederick Bleich and wife Darlene, of Lohman, Paul Bleich of California, Edward Bleich of California, and one sister, Martha Toellner of Warrensburg, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins she loved and cherished dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents Earnest Theodore and Louise Alvina Bleich, and her four sisters, Nelda Bleich, Velma Strobel, Esther Strobel, and Ruth Wieland.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson City.

A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Peter Kurowski officiating and Pastor Samuel Powell and Pastor Steve Resner assisting.

Interment will be conducted at Immanuel Boeckhaus Cemetery following the memorial service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are under the care of Trimble Funeral Homes and will be distributed by the family to multiple charities important to Anna.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City.

trimblefunerals.com