Neil Duane Bloomquist

Neil Duane Bloomquist, 85, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, died Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at Oak Crossing, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Neil was born on May 12, 1928, the son of Claude and Bertha Bloomquist in Rockford, Illinois. As a young child his family moved to Duluth, Minnesota, where Neil graduated from Central High School in 1945. Neil worked on a tug boat for a summer before he entered the United States Navy. After receiving an honorable discharge he returned to Duluth and started his career with Northwestern Bell. Neil was united in marriage to Shirley Leiser on October 25, 1952 in Duluth. They lived in Hibbing and Thief River, Minnesota, before moving to Detroit Lakes in 1955. Neil worked as an engineer for Northwestern Bell at the Detroit Lakes District office until his retirement in 1982. During his retirement years, he served as the Detroit Township Clerk for many years. Neil was a member of First Lutheran Church, Telephone Pioneers, American Legion and the VFW. He enjoyed bowling, watching golf, college football and playing bingo. Neil also enjoyed doing yard work and gardening and most of all spending time with his family. Neil is survived by his wife of sixty years, Shirley Bloomquist of Detroit Lakes, MN; daughter, Nancy (Gordy) Grabow of Detroit Lakes, MN; two sons, Gary (Pam) Bloomquist of Coon Rapids, MN; Wayne (Wendi) Bloomquist of Wyoming, MN; four grandchildren, Jeremy (Cynthia) Kunz, Kurt, Brandon and Samantha Bloomquist; two great-grandchildren, Katlyn and Mia; three step-grandsons; eight step great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Neil was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Lorraine Cargill and brother, Roger Bloomquist.