Dennis Bloomquist

Dennis Alan Bloomquist, 68, of Duluth, MN, passed away suddenly on Friday, May 29, 2015.

He was born on December 8, 1946 to Kermit and Violet (Garson) Bloomquist in Virginia, MN.

Dennis graduated from Roosevelt High School, Virginia, MN in 1965 and from the University of Minnesota, Duluth in 1969 with a degree in Secondary Education. He served in both the U.S. Army National Guard and then the Air Force National Guard ; continuing his service in the Air National Guard 148th CAMRON, as a Training Supervisor in Duluth. Dennis retired from military service in 1991.
Dennis married his partner in life, Ardelle Johnson, on December 22, 1970 in Virginia, MN and then made their home in Duluth, MN for the past 45 years where they raised three sons. Dennis worked for St. Louis and Crow Wing County Social Services and then retired from MN Department of Human Services in 2001 after 22 years supporting families in the Child and Food Stamps programs.

Dennis was a passionate community advocate helping many people navigate challenging life circumstances and dedicated volunteer supporting local youth. He coached and served on Boards and in leadership roles for the Arrowhead Youth Soccer Association, Central Little League, Hermantown Soccer Club, Woodland and East soccer programs, and Gitchie Gummi Soccer Club. He taught Sunday school at Lakeview Covenant Church and was a Den, Pack and Troop leader for the Cub and Boy Scouts of America. Dennis was an advocate for the Association for Retarded Citizens in Duluth and was instrumental in establishing "Our Place" Enabling Home, service as Chairman and Board member from 1995 until his death.

Dennis was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. He was a talented artist creating stained glass and watercolor paintings; he enjoyed reading, traveling, the outdoors hunting, fishing and fly tying and spending time with family. His dedication to his family and friends was resolute and quiet sense of humor was unarming. His loving guidance and wisdom will be treasured.

Dennis was preceded in death by his son, Eric; parents; and brother, Jack.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ardelle; sons, Jeff (Amy) and Steve (Jackie); grandchildren, Gregory, Erika, Jude and Kyza; brothers, Bill, Russell (Stephanie); sister, Betty Lou Erickson (Ken); as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be 5-7PM, Tuesday, June 2, 2015 in Dougherty Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 3rd, at 11:00 AM in the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1325 N 45th Ave E. Duluth, MN 55804, private interment to follow, Greenwood Cemetery, Virginia, MN.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd Street, Duluth, MN 55805 218-727-3555