Memorial

Charles Emil Bloomquist, 88, of Cedar Rapids, died peacefully on Wednesday July 12, 2017 at St. Luke’s Hospice, surrounded by his family. A visitation will be held on Sunday July 16, 2017 from 2 to 5pm at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday July 17, 2017 at Cedar Valley Bible Church, with Pastor Joel DeSousa officiating. Interment will be at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Charles was born December 23, 1928 in Fort Dodge, Iowa to Arnold and Mabel (Olson) Bloomquist. He graduated from Boone High School in 1946. Charles was a veteran of the Air Force serving during the Korean War from 1948 to 1952. He moved to Cedar Rapids to work as an auto mechanic for Allen Motor Company for 27 years, he then was owner/operator of Chuck’s Carborator in Hiawatha for 10 years. He enjoyed playing cards with friends, horseshoes, doing crossword puzzles, traveling, and his yearly trips to Canada fishing with family. He always looked forward to Sunday dinner and coffee at his son’s house.

Charles was a 50 year Mason in Mizpah Lodge 639. He was Worshipful Master in 1969. After retirement he was a 14 year Mizpah Lodge Secretary as well as a 10 year secretary and treasurer for High Twelve.

Charles is survivied by his wife of 66 years, Pamela (Neese) Bloomquist of Cedar Rapids, two children, Curtis (Gale) Bloomquist of Hiawatha and Gayle Sjoerdsma of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his beloved grandchildren, Stacey (Mitch) Glew, Lynnea Gibbs, Wesley and Caleb Sjoerdsma along with two great grandchildren, Meadow and Maddox Glew, who will always treasure the special times they shared with grandpa; brothers, Harry, Dennis (Sharon), Keith (Mary), and sister, JoAnn Grimm, sisters-in-law, Kathryn Reed and Nancy Neese, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father in law, Clifford and Mable Neese, brother, Milford, sister and brother-in-law, Dick and Phyllis Reed, brother-in-law, Leonard Grimm, sister-in-law Lennie Bloomquist, brother-in-law, Paul Neese and his beloved granddaughter Katey Bloomquist.

Special thanks to Dr. James Bell, 4W staff, and to the St. Luke’s Hospice care team for their kind words and loving care. 

Memorials may be made to St. Luke’s Hospice in memory of Charles.