Richard Arthur Blomberg

BESSEMER, Mich. - Richard Arthur Blomberg, 73, of Bessemer, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, at his home.

Richard was born on Jan. 5, 1949, to Arthur and Clara (Behrendt) Blomberg. He attended school in North Ironwood and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1967. Richard attended Gogebic Community College and received an associate degree before transferring to Northern Michigan University to pursue a career in teaching, but he left before graduating to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Richard worked at Bessemer Plywood, Indianhead Ski Hill, Newport Lumber and retired from Snow Ridge Lumber.

In 1983, he married Karen Bouillion in Wakefield, and they made their home in Bessemer, where they raised one daughter, Ashley, who was the apple of his eye. In 2011, the second apple of his eye, his grandson, Maximus, came into this world.

Richard is survived by his wife, Karen; a daughter and son-in-law, Ashley and Ryan Ploetz; his grandson, Maximus Ploetz; his sister, Sharon (Jim) Hedberg; eight sisters-in-law, MaryAnn Blomberg, Kathy Blomberg, Lois (Dave) Assmann, Char (William) Barribeau, Marion Bouillion, Bonnie Ruby, Deb (Dale) Anderson and Mary Bouillion; three brothers-in-law, David (Sharon), John and Jim Bouillion; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, his Uncle Rodney (Evelyn) Behrendt; special friend, Tommy Holappa and many others.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Steven, Dennis and Mark, in infancy; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Cara Bouillion; three brothers-in-law, Dan and Bob Bouillion and Curt Goriesky; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Sharon Lutheran Church, 100 E. Sellar St., in Bessemer, with the Rev. Lauri Maki officiating.

Burial will take place at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer, where military rites will be accorded by the Bessemer American Legion Post 27 and Bessemer Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3673 Honor Guard.

A luncheon will be served at the Bessemer VFW Post 3673.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with their arrangements.