Ronald "Ron" Bloomquist

Ronald "Ron" Bloomquist, 59, of Kandiyohi, died Monday, February 23 at his home in Kandiyohi. His visitation will be 11:00 - 1:00 pm, on Friday, February 27 at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar, with the service to follow at 1:00 pm. Memorials may be sent to St. Jude's Hospital. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Homes.

On a beautiful summer Saturday in July 1966, Ronald James Bloomquist was born at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth to Gordon Arthur and Laura Mae. His arrival was met with mixed emotions from his brothers, who held a grudge for quite some time after the babysitter wouldn't let them watch their Saturday morning cartoons that day. Despite warnings that each new baby seemed to prompt a move, his parents welcomed another child and soon after left Duluth. The family eventually settled in Atwater on the shores of Diamond Lake, a pretty wonderful place to grow up.

Ron spent his summers water skiing, tubing, roaming the neighborhood, and chasing girls, especially since a fresh group of vacationing girls seemed to arrive every Saturday. In time, he met the girl he would marry: Valorie Jean Shriver, the girl "across the pond." They were married on July 11, 1990 (and he's married her three more times since, no divorces, just renewals). Together they welcomed four children: Kyla Quinn, Tisha Ann, Baylie Lynn, and Logan James, four of the greatest blessings of his life and the reason he found so much joy in it.

A car accident altered Ron's career plans. Originally set on attending law enforcement school with dreams of becoming a state trooper, he chose a different road and became a truck driver instead. He spent years driving over the road. After the kids were grown and on their own, Ron decided it was time to stay closer to home with Val. He began driving locally delivering construction equipment for Schwartz Equipment, plowing winter roads for MNDOT, working for Magnum LTL, and later for Country Pet Foods.

Still, the wandering spirit never left him. From time to time, Ron would persuade Val to join him on trips inspired by places he'd seen while driving truck. He created a bucket list-and checked it off. He went shark fishing and caught one. He drove across the bridges and to the islands he'd long wanted to see. Val was by his side, smiling all the way. One of their favorite traditions was celebrating Halloween in New Orleans, a trip they tried to make every other year. His dream was to retire in Brunswick, Georgia-the only place besides Minnesota where he could truly imagine calling home. Although Ron never called Georgia home, he visited several times and part of him will always remain.

Ron is survived by his wife, Valorie; children: Kyla (Brandon) Larsen, Tisha Bloomquist, Baylie Bloomquist, and Logan Bloomquist; five grandchildren: Shawn, Lydia, Eliza, Henry, and Chloe; siblings: Wayne (Paulay) Bloomquist, and Val (Jeff) Lawler.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Gordan and Laura; and his brother, Allen.