Robert G. Bloomquist
February 23, 1932 – December 18, 2019
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 2:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 321 South St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church Music Program or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.
Obituary
Age 87, passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2019. Robert was born in Cadillac, Michigan on February 23, 1932, the son of the late Severn and Eva (Roper) Bloomquist. He was a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School and received his bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from Western Michigan University. Robert was drafted in the United States Army after graduation from WMU and served his country honorably until 1957. He then went on to earn his master’s degree in social work from the University of Michigan. On September 19, 1959, Robert was united in marriage to Beverly Jean Klimp. He worked as a clinical social worker for most of his life and was employed by the Children’s Mental Health Center in Columbus, OH, the Battle Creek VA Medical Center and retired from Lakeside Boys and Girls Residence in 1994, as the Director of Social Services. He was a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church of Kalamazoo, where he served on the Session, was a Deacon and Joint Deacon, an usher and enjoyed serving at the Men’s Breakfast. Robert also enjoyed volunteering for the food pantry and humane society, visiting with his dog at local senior centers, doing travelogue presentations around the community and tutoring students at Edison Elementary School. He was an avid world traveler and mountain hiker, visiting the Himalayas, Africa, Australia, Alaska, Ireland, Scotland, Scandinavia, Peru, the Galapagos Islands and many more countries. Robert loved photography and was a distance runner, having run in six marathons, including the Boston Marathon at age 71 and ran his last half marathon at age 81. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Beverly Bloomquist; daughters, Dawn (Lou) Rhodes, Lisa (Jeff) Layer and Ann Marie (Bill) Gray; grandchildren, Katie and Jonathan Rhodes, Michael (Lizzi) Layer, Rebecca (Luis) Hernandez and Emily and Jim Gray; and great-grandson, Luka John Hernandez. Besides his parents, Robert was preceded in death by siblings, Donald Bloomquist, Dorothy Pretzer, Kenneth Bloomquist and Virginia Bloomquist.
Judy & I send our condolences to Bev and their entire family on the passing of Bob. We found Bob to be one of the most gentle, loving people ever and was our privilege to have made his acquaintance and friendship. Attending Bob and Bev’s Christmas open-house was one of the nicest gatherings for us as they shared their home and love with all. I, Don, had several opportunities to drop in and talk with Bob about his running, music and his very interesting paths of life. He was so special in his gentleness and true love for others. He will be missed but never forgotten. God bless.
Sandy and I consider Bob and Bev among the kindest and gentlest people we know. We looked forward each holiday season to their warm and welcoming open house. Bob was an inspiration to me and he taught me a lot about running and about trying to be what he was, a good man. We loved him and miss him and hope that Bev and the family find peace and healing in the months ahead. He was a unique man who served as a model for us all.
I first met Bob when I worked at Lakeside. Since then, I have admired both Bob and Bev for all the ways they have been active at First Presbyterian Church. Bob never ceased to amaze those who knew him as he and Bev travelled the world and he continued to run into his later years and usher at the church! My husband Don enjoyed talking with Bob about marathon running and any other interesting involvements of Bob’s! Blessings to Bev and all the family. Peace and comfort be with you.
Dear Bloomquist Family – My deepest sympathy on the loss of your father, husband and grandfather! He was such a kind soul. I’m sure you have many fond memories of him! I remember him as an usher at First Presbyterian Church and then again with the travelogue series when I worked Friendship Village. Hold on to your memories and take care of each other during these difficult days. You are in my prayers! Judy Markusse Paget
I just learned that Bob Bloomquist died last year. He was my very first supervisor after I graduated from the University of Michigan School of Social Work. He was the kindest most reachable and skilled person that I could have had. He and Mr. Dooley were absolutely wonderful people and made my 3 years at Lakeside memorable and wonderfully productive. Those were some of the best years of my career and I could not have asked for a better person as supervisor. Please give my warmest regards to Beverly. My wife and I remember her well. They appeared to be such a happy couple totally dedicated to their children. Bob was that rare individual who was very skilled at working with kids, the staff including the house mothers who were hired for each cottage. Roland Turk Helen Victor Turk