David V. Bloomstrand

David V. Bloomstrand, 86, of Rockford, IL, passed away at home on June 15, 2024.

Dave was born on March 18, 1938, the first son of Vernon and Magdalene “Madge” Bloomstrand in Chicago, IL. He graduated from LaSalle-Peru High School in 1956 and went to college in Bloomington-Normal, IL where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University in 1960 in English and Journalism. He later went on to earn a Master’s degree in English from Northern Illinois University in 1967.

He married the love of his life, Nancy Leigh Hodkins from Princeton, Illinois, on April 16, 1960. After marriage and graduation, he began teaching high school English in Mendota, IL and St. Charles, IL. In 1967 he moved his family to Rockford, IL and began a career at Rock Valley College as a faculty member in the English and Speech Department. After 27 years teaching English composition, technical writing, and police report writing, as well as serving a term as head of the department, he retired in 1995.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Bloomstrand, of 64 years, son, Kent Bloomstrand (Mary Costello) of Shepherdstown, West Virginia; daughter, Karyn Bloomstrand of Rockford; 4 granddaughters, Candace (James) Higgins of Boston, Magdalene (Paul) Matsas of Chicago, Shannan Bloomstrand (Avery Polchinski) of Temple, Texas, and Kaitlyn (Robert) Wheeler of Waukesha, Wisconsin; 3 great- granddaughters, Audrey Higgins, Gloria Matsas, and Oaklee Wheeler; and one brother, Jerry (Grace) Bloomstrand of Chicago, IL.

Dave was a member of the Rock Valley Mustang Club, driving his 1965 original Mustang convertible on numerous local cruises and showing it in local car shows and charity events. He was also a CASA volunteer, blood donor, adult literacy tutor, and served on the board of trustees at Riverside Community Church.

In addition to shaping many young minds and “learning them real good in English”, Dave had a wonderful wit and sense of humor. Nancy and he traveled extensively throughout the states, visiting relatives and pursuing their interests. They enjoyed cruises and sailed to Alaska many times. Dave was a wonderful husband, brother, son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, cousin, uncle, teacher and friend. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dave's honor to Rock Valley College by visiting the "David Bloomstrand Memorial" listed under the designation drop-down. A live link can be found at the Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Legacy websites. 

There will be a celebration of life held on Saturday, June 29th at 11 o'clock at the Rock Valley College Golden Eagle tent west of Starlight theater. 

Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com