GLEN BLOMGREN Obituary

Glen Blomgren passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2017, after a life well lived, full of love, family and friends. He was born in Fresno to Henry and Anona Blomgren, followed by two brothers, Wilbur and Gary. He attended Orange Center School, graduated from Washington Union High School in 1948, and farmed with his dad until 1951, when he was drafted into the United States Army. While doing his basic training at Fort Ord, he hitchhiked home on November 17, 1951, to marry the love of his life, Gwendolyn Pearl Fletcher, a union that lasted 65 happy years. In June of 1952, he entered the Officers Training program at Fort Belvoir, VA, and graduated as an Army Engineer. He was assigned as a training officer in Fort Leonardwood, MO, and then sent to Korea where he managed a rock quarry until he mustered out of the army in November of 1953, as a First Lieutenant. When he returned to his home, he met his six month old son, Kinsey, who had been born while Glen was making little rocks out of big rocks in Korea. Upon returning to civilian life, Glen started college at Fresno State College, working toward a teaching career. During his full-time student days, he worked for mosquito abatement, corrected papers for some professors, and even counted cans for grocery store inventory while Gwen taught school and drove a school bus. During this time, his son, Erik, was born, and his son, Mark, was born, but passed in infancy. His last son, Jeff, joined the family later in 1959. When the kids got old enough, the family enjoyed backpacking in Yosemite with nephews, scouts, and neighbor kids. Glen graduated from Fresno State College in 1958, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education, and went to work as a high school teacher in Delano, CA, working there until he got his Master's degree in 1962, and was hired as an associate professor at Fresno State in the Industrial Technology department. He later became a full professor when he earned his doctorate in education at University of California, Los Angeles, in 1972. After a 29 year career as a professor at Fresno State, he retired in 1991, and concentrated on his hobbies and volunteer work. After retirement, he jokingly told his wife, Gwen, to keep her job so she could support him in the way he would like to become accustomed to. He first took an A and P class in Reedley college to learn to take care of his own plane, a Cessna Cardinal, which he and Gwen flew all over the western states for many years. He and Gwen often acted as judges for Pacific Coast Intercollegiate Flying Association competitions. He had many other volunteer activities that he enjoyed with Gwen, including the North Fresno Lions club, teaching CERT Disaster Preparedness Classes, working as a police volunteer for the Fresno Police Department, and working as a "ham" radio operator in ARES and RACES. He and Gwen honed their radio skills by helping provide communications for many bike rides and marathons in the area. Glen was a strong supporter of the second amendment and was not shy about sharing his opinions in letters to the editor of the Fresno Bee. Glen is survived by his wife Gwen; sons, Kinsey and his wife Debra, Erik and his wife Susan, and Jeff and his wife Sandy; two brothers, Wilbur and his wife Fran, and Gary and his wife MaryAnn; three nephews; one niece; five grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held at People's Church, G.L Johnson Chapel, on Friday, March 17, 2017, at 11:00 a.m.

Published by Fresno Bee on Mar. 12, 2017.
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6 Entries

I am so sorry to read about Glen's passing. He was a wonderful soul. Many happy days at Fresno State. Nina Grannis

April 5, 2017

To the family of Glen Blomgren, I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure you will miss him dearly. Please find comfort in knowing one day we will see our loved ones again. John 6:40. Matthew 5:5.

Alphonso

March 16, 2017

I am so sad that I am unable to attend Glen's service on Friday. My thoughts will be with you and your family, Gwen. My deepest sympathies are with you all.

Jennifer Lively

March 15, 2017

I loved that man! His son Erik was my best friend so I spent countless hours over there. He was a very kind and generous man with a sharp wit (a little corny but sharp). In college at Fresno State I took a great Electronics Course from him, learned a lot and found out he was an excellent professor as well. My deepest condolences to his family, my friends always. Some of my best high school and college memories were created with them. I am so sorry,Erik. Goodbye Glen. You will be sorely missed.

John Sparks

March 12, 2017

A life well lived. . For sure.

Jeannie Gallino

March 12, 2017

I was sorry to hear of Glen's passing. He was a very good man and I know he will be missed by many. I'm thinking of you Gwen and wishing you the best during this difficult time.

Justus Spillner

March 12, 2017

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