Alice Bloomquist

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Alice Bloomquist lived a rich and rewarding life filled with the people and experiences she loved. She was a kindhearted and thoughtful woman with a spirit of generosity that was truly unmatched. Alice treasured the time she spent with her family, and she took care of her mother for years during her time of great need. Life was not without times of trial for her, but she faced whatever came her way with both grace and strength that were truly inspiring. Although she will be deeply missed, Alice leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever cherish.

It was great to be an American during the 1920s. Often recalled as the Roaring Twenties, this was a time when innovation was leading the way to things like washing machines, refrigerators, and radios that transformed the way we lived our daily lives. This was also the decade that saw both jazz music and ballroom dancing become the entertainment of the day, and this also marked the peak of Broadway. Amidst this exciting time was a time of great excitement in the lives of Alvin and Anna Haight Bloomquist as they were pleased to announce the birth of the baby girl they named Alice Joan on January 3, 1928. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she was the youngest of three children to be raised in the family home as she was joined in the family by her siblings, Alvin and Adla. They were a very tight knit family, and holidays were always a fun time when they loved gathering together. Alice’s father worked for the railroad and later for Wolverine while her mother was a homemaker who focused on caring for her family.

Even while growing up Alice was so much fun to be around. When on her driving test with the police officer who was administrating the test, Alice decided to just drive right through a stop sign since she saw no traffic. Of course the police officer questioned her, and Alice’s response was that her brother had told her that this was allowed - again as long as there was no traffic. Amazingly, he still allowed her to pass! She attended local schools and graduated from South High School. Alice spent the bulk of her career working in the office at the credit bureau.

Alice’s fondest memories were always the ones made with her family and friends. She greatly enjoyed herself when she went to Las Vegas and played the slots with her mother, and as her mother grew older and needed more care Alice was there to provide her with what she needed. She also enjoyed fishing with her father and brother during her younger years, and later in life she loved spending the Christmas holidays at the home of her niece, Heather. Alice loved watching all the kids open their gifts and also playing several games of Yahtzee. She had no biological children of her own, but her nieces, Heather and Marlene, were like her daughters. As someone who beat cancer twice and also had heart issues to contend with, Alice drew such strength from her loved ones.

Throughout her life Alice was a woman of many interests. She had her favorite places to eat out including at Logan’s for their ribs, Russ’ for their broccoli cheese soup, and at Arnie’s for their french onion soup or their reuben sandwich. Alice didn’t mind staying in either as she truly enjoyed grocery shopping and loved being in the home that made her so proud. Later in life she played Bingo and also liked playing the slots. Alice was an amazing whistler, and when it came to listening to music she loved listening to family members who sang and made recordings. She was an Elvis fan as well.

All who knew Alice Bloomquist would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She loved making people laugh and was continually looking for ways that she could help others in ways both great and small. Alice could be stubborn at times, but it was only because she wanted what was best for everyone. She was hardworking, but she also had the right amount of fun-loving spunk mixed in. Alice will never be forgotten.

Alice Bloomquist passed away on April 6, 2016. Alice is survived by many nieces and nephews, including Heather Snyder who thought of her as her mother. A service to remember her life will be held Monday April 11th, 1:00 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home Van Strien-Creston Chapel. Interment at Rosedale Memorial Park. To sign Alice’s guest book, please visit her web pageatwww.lifestorynet.com.