Harley “Jim” Bloomquist, 91, of Lone Tree, formerly of Conesville, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City. Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 10-11 a.m., at Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Columbus Junction. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Columbus City Cemetery. Following the committal service, a time of food and fellowship will be held at the Columbus Junction American Legion. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the United Presbyterian Church of Lone Tree in memory of Jim. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.
Harley James Bloomquist was born Feb. 17, 1934, in Milton, Iowa, the son of Harley John and Irene Catherine (Smith) Bloomquist. Growing up, he lived on farms near Wyman, Iowa and Letts, Iowa. Jim played baseball in high school, was a 1952 graduate of Letts High School and then attended Iowa State University. On May 15, 1954, Jim was united in marriage to Margaret Caroline Bell in Riverside, Iowa. Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army from Jan 1954 to Jan 1956 in Korea and Hawaii. He was active in 4-H, winning the grand champion steer at the Louisa County Fair in 1948 was the highlight. Following his footsteps, Jean, Mike and Steve were all active in 4-H and he served as a softball coach for the Lucky Clovers and a leader/softball coach for the Oakland Raiders.
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Jim was a farmer and at one time had land in four different counties. With help from Mike and Steve, he raised hogs, cattle, corn, beans, hay, oats and even sheep for a short time. After retirement, he and Margaret had large gardens and traveled to many places with the Hills Bank Friends Club and in their fifth wheel. They spent the winter in Harlingen, Texas for more than 30 years. Jim was a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Lone Tree, serving as both an elder and dishwasher, Louisa County Cattlemen’s Association, Farm Bureau and Columbus Junction Lions Club. He loved the Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes and created a whole family that loves them too.
Jim will be deeply missed by his wife: Margaret of Lone Tree; his children: Jean Bloomquist of Benton Harbor, Michigan, Michael (Jeanette) Bloomquist of Letts and Steven (Dawn) Bloomquist of Fruitland; grandchildren: Stephanie Bloomquist, Allison (William Wells) Bloomquist, Amber Bodman, Erin (Jared) Kary, Mitchel Bloomquist, Anita (Zeke) Purdy, Maxwell (Emily) Bloomquist, Haley Bloomquist, Tara Wise, Cody (Kayla) Massey, Dani Massey, and Kaine Bloomquist; great-grandchildren: McKenna (Rick) Fossen, Riley Swehla, Boston Garland, Tatum Costas, Payton Costas, Isabella Kary, Abigail Kary, Everett Purdy, Elliott Purdy, soon to come Emmett Purdy, Jimmy Bloomquist, Weston Wise, Brylee Wise, Keegan Massey and Avery Massey; great-great grandchild soon to come baby, Fossen; sister-in-law: Joyce Hartzler; and many nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sister: Rose Crone; many brothers and sisters-in-law; and two nephews.
