John S. Bloomquist Sr.

John S. Bloomquist Sr., 86, of Topeka, died August 3, 2008 at the Colmery-O’Neil V.A. Medical Center.

He was born on October 19, 1921 in Burlingame, Kansas the son of Oscar and Sara Jane (Lane) Bloomquist.

John married Margaret Roach in Topeka, Kansas on July 7, 1947 and lived here for the past 61 years.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in the Pacific during World War II and was a member of the Kansas National Guard from 1950 to 1964.  He was called to active duty during the Cuban Crisis and retired as a Master Sergeant.  While in the service and also in the private sector he worked as a mechanic and truck driver.  John was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

John was a member of Mater Dei Assumption Parish.  He was also a member of the Kaw Valley Amateur Radio Club for over 40 years where he worked as a volunteer providing communications via ham radio to Topeka residents following the 1966 tornado.  He was a member of the Topeka Gun Club since its organization over 50 years ago.

He is survived by his wife Margaret of the home, one son, John S. Bloomquist Jr. and wife Katherine and a daughter, Connie Adams and husband Al all of Topeka, five grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and numerous step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

Mr. Bloomquist will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Thursday morning after 10:00 a.m.  Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.  Interment will follow at the Union Cemetery in Osage City, Kansas with military honors conducted by Ft. Riley Honors Team. 

Memorial contributions are suggested to the charity of the donor’s choice and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena F.H., 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.