Walter Bloom

Walter Bloom thought that he would be most remembered for his work ethic, and dedication to doing a job right. He took great pride in his work, and strived every day to be the best at every job he had. Without a doubt Walter will be remembered for this; however, it was his generous spirit, that was most in the hearts and minds of the people that knew him. He may have done the best he could at work, but more importantly, Walter did his best at living life and loving his family. How blessed they were.

The year was 1920 and the Roaring Twenties were in full swing. With the sweet sound of jazz music playing on the radio, the American dream was working at a fevered pitch and good fortune was alive and well. In the city of Kalamazoo, Clyde and Erma (Cronkite) Bloom were getting ready to celebrate the New Year and the pending birth of their second child. On January 1, 1921, New Year's baby Walter Cronkite Bloom was born in the family home, the same home where his mother had been born. This house is still in the family and has been occupied by five generations of Walter’s family. Walter had been named after his uncle, Walter Cronkite, who died in World War I and was a distant relative to Walter Cronkite the broadcaster, who died on July 17, 2009

Walt and his older sister Margaret grew up in Kalamazoo enjoying a childhood not yet darkened by the Depression. He attended Thomas Edison Elementary School and started a lifelong friendship with Don Ingersoll. In spite of the financial drain of the 1930’s Walt was able to attend St. John’s Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin, where he graduated in 1938.

His years spent in the academy prepared Walt for the time he would spend in service to his country during World War II. For 39 months, he bravely served in the European Theater as a Master Sergeant in the 769th Military Police Battalion.

For Walt's first job he went to work for the Goodyear Service Store, giving them 10 years of dedicated service. During the war he married and from this marriage came four wonderful children, Walt’s pride and joy - Timothy, Kerry, Linda and Bradley. After his time with Goodyear, Walt moved on to the Upjohn Company, working as the Lead Scale Mechanic in their machine shop. He was always a very outgoing and social person and while at Upjohn, met a lovely lady named Margaret Kiss. A romance blossomed and the two were married on July 3, 1970. Sadly, Margaret passed away in 2001 after 31 loving years together.

Walt really liked his job at Upjohn, and not just because he had met Margaret. He got along well with his co-workers and was even awarded the Upjohn Award, given for recognition of special accomplishments. His friends all called him “The Candyman”.

But life was not all work for Walt Bloom. He had traveled to Hawaii, his favorite place to be, and collected Candlewyck Crystal, which was made by the Imperial Glass Company. He also spent time caring for his mother until her death at the age of 106. He made a point of visiting her every day and surely brightened her day with each visit. Family was always the most important thing in Walt’s life and he was especially proud of all his children, grandchildren, and extended family members. Each of their accomplishments held a special place in his heart.

For the last three years, Walt has made his home at the Borgess Nursing Home in Kalamazoo, where, with his outgoing personality, he most certainly continued to make new friends. These friends are sure to be on the long list of family members and friends that loved Walt so much and, with his passing, will miss him dearly.

Walter C. Bloom, of Portage, age 88, passed away July 23, 2009. He was preceded in death by his second wife, Margaret in 2001; son Timothy Bloom in 2008; and a sister, Margaret Wales in 2000, as well as his parents.

Walter is survived by three children and their spouses: Kerry and Debbie Bloom, of Gobles; Linda and Len Duevel, of Stavanger, Norway; Bradley and Cindy Bloom, of Kalamazoo; one daughter-in-law: Marilyn Bloom, of Scotts; four grandchildren: Elsa Bloom, Erika Duevel, Paul Duevel, and Garrett Bloom. Walt is also survived by a nephew, Walter Wales, and his family in Texas; Donald Ingersoll, a lifelong friend for over 80 years; and Walt’s dog Buttons.

Learn more about Walter, view his Life Story film, and visit with his family and friends, and share light refreshments, Sunday from 12 noon to 3 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage (344-5600). The funeral service will be held at the same location on Monday at 10 AM. Entombment will be at Mount Ever-Rest Memorial Park.

Please visit Walter’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo, sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home or make a memorial donation to the Kalamazoo Humane Society.