Joe Bloomquist

All who knew Joseph Bloomquist would agree that he was the heartbeat of wherever he went. He was vibrant and outgoing with an amazing ability to talk with anyone for hours on end. Blessed to share 12 years with the love of his life, Joe and his wife were true companions who just enjoyed being together. One of the things he was most known for was his quick wit, and he was always looking to make others laugh until the very end of his life. Although Joe experienced trials, he faced whatever came his way with an amazing strength that was such as inspiration. With unending devotion to the people and things he loved, he will never be forgotten.

It seems only fitting that Joe’s story began during a time that was as vibrant as he was. The 1950’s were a time of unparalleled prosperity following WWII. Economies around the globe were growing again and people’s hearts and minds were filled with hope and optimism. Disneyland was being built in Anaheim, CA and color television was being introduced to the world. Amidst this colorful time, a sweet baby boy who was born on December 21, 1952, was found in front of the asylum gate in Patras, Greece, with a note indicating that he was 20 days old. Adopted by his parents, Donald and Avis (Nelson) Bloomquist, Joseph Aristotle was baptized on January 12, 1953. He was raised alongside his brother, David, who was the same age, as well as their younger brother, John. Joe’s first seven years were spent in Greece, but he soon came to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he spent much of his life.

In Kalamazoo, the Bloomquist family settled into their new surroundings. His father worked as a veterinarian there while his mother was a teacher in the Kalamazoo Public Schools. Joe attended St. Joseph Elementary School, Hackett High School and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School. He was a Boy Scout who worked hard to earn the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.

After graduating from KCHS in 1971, Joe continued his education at Michigan State University and made a successful career in sales. He was a real people person, which was one of the keys to his success, and over the years he worked in a variety of industries including pest control, at a radio station, in auto parts, and also selling security and alarm systems. In everything he did, Joe was very talented. He spent 12 years living in Ft. Myers, Florida, and while there he discovered his passion in the theater. He graduated from the Audio Engineering Technology and Practice conducted at Unity Gain Recording Studio, Inc. in Florida and went on to work at a local theatre in Ft. Myers. Joe was honored to meet various celebrities such as Kenny Rogers, Diana Ross, James Taylor and David Copperfield.

Throughout his life, Joe was a man of many interests. He was a music buff who enjoyed everything from Beethoven to rock ‘n roll. For a time Joe had a little DJ business during the eighties, and he picked this business up again just a few years ago. In fact, it was while working as a DJ at an annual pig roast among mutual friends in 2002 that Joe was introduced to Linda. Over the year that followed, they fell deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Joe and Linda were married in 2003 at the Kalamazoo County Courthouse. They both shared a love for music, and she often accompanied him when he went out with his DJ business. Linda also loved when he played music around the house as much as he did. Both Joe and his wife were also huge college basketball fans. They loved watching Michigan State University sports together, and Linda was known for being rather animated toward Coach Izzo.

In addition, Joe could be found keeping busy in other ways. He was a fantastic cook who could make nearly anything. Joe’s signature dish was his pork tenderloin with dates or figs. He had a very diverse palette and usually made everything with just the right amount of spice. Around home, Joe liked working out in the yard, and his beagle, Bones, was a treasured companion. Sadly, Bones died a year ago.

Just this past May, Joe and his loved ones were given a tough pill to swallow when he was diagnosed with renal cancer. He fought hard, but the cancer quickly spread, reaching his vena cava. Joe spent the last 6 months of his life in and out of the hospital, and eventually his body could no longer overcome the fight that it faced.

Spunky, vibrant, and fun-loving, Joseph Bloomquist was a blessing to everyone he met. He had a warm, inviting, and genuine personality, and since he was also blessed with the gift of gab he was the sort of man whom everyone seemed to know. Joe was known for his quick wit and had a contagious zest for life, and even until his last day he kept everyone around him laughing. Deeply loved, he will be forever missed.

Joseph Aristotle Bloomquist, of Kalamazoo, died December 5, 2015, in Kalamazoo. Joe’s family includes his wife of 12 years, Linda Bloomquist; children: Matthew Hansen and Kelly Hansen-Mikle; grandchildren: Gavin and Aiden Mikle; brothers: John Bloomquist and David (Bonnie) Bloomquist; Uncle Robert and Aunt Beverly Bloomquist; and some cousins. Joe was preceded in death by his parents. Cremation will take place and no services will be held. Special thank you to the Bronson Hospital doctors, nurses, coordinators and staff for their special care of Joe and support of his family and to Lennon, Miller, O’Connor & Bartosiewicz for their support to the family. Please visit Joe’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Kalamazoo Humane Society. Life Story Funeral Home – Betzler, 6080 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.