Mark E. Bloomstrom

A man who loved nothing more than heading out on the open road on his motorcycle, Mark Bloomstrom taught us so much about what it means to truly live. With the love of his life by his side for nearly 40 years he experienced so many of the best things life has to offer including establishing the family he loved more than life itself. Mark was a driven and hard-woking man who didnt do anything halfway and never hesitated to take charge of any situation. Although his family and friends would have loved more time with him, the precious memories they made with Mark will remain forever near and dear to their hearts. The decade that is often remembered as the Nifty Fifties was a vibrant time in America filled with changes that forever transformed the cultural fabric of our nation. We fell in love with blue jeans and brought televisions into our living rooms in record numbers and with our introduction to shows like I Love Lucy and The Honeymooners the way we saw family life would never be the same. Amidst this colorful time a young couple from Muskegon, Michigan, was pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy on January 4, 1950. Baby Mark was the oldest of four boys born to his parents, Carroll and Shirley (Hastings) Bloomstrom, and was raised in the family home alongside his brothers, Earl, Dale, and Alan. As the older brother Mark took his role seriously by protecting his younger brothers whenever necessary. He was raised to be tough and resilient despite whatever came his way. In many ways Mark experienced a childhood that was reflective of the times. He enjoyed frequently spending time at his Grandpa and Grandma Bloomstroms fruit farm, and he was also very close to his Grandma Hastings. There were fun-filled family vacations to Canada and camping in the Upper Peninsula in addition to traditional holiday celebrations spent at home. Mark attended Reeths Puffer Elementary and went on to Reeths Puffer High School where he played football and enjoyed auto and machine shop classes. It was also during his youth that he discovered his lifelong passion with motorcycles. Imagine his excitement when he got his own motorcycle when he was just 16! After graduating from high school in 1969 Mark was drafted into the Army during that same year. He served in Germany through much of 1971. Shortly after he returned to Muskegon Mark met the young woman with whom he would share the best years of his life. Her name was Autumn Long and what started as friendship blossomed into a dating relationship with their first official date consisting of a motorcycle ride to A Deeply in love, the couple became husband and wife on June 17, 1972. The newlyweds settled into an apartment on Cutler Street in Muskegon, and in 1973 they purchased an older home at 3200 Russell Road in Dalton Township. It wasnt long before the couple welcomed their daughter, April, into their hearts and home in 1973. April was followed by Mark, Jr. in 1977, who sadly died shortly after birth, and Andrew in 1980. When their children were younger Mark and Autumn liked to take the family to the drive-in, and holidays were always special times spent at his home. There was nothing Mark treasured more than becoming a grandfather to their only grandson, Shawn, in 1999. Both Mark and Autumn were so excited when he was born that they were with April the whole time at the hospital. It was a day to remember when Mark introduced Shawn to motorcycle rides when he was just seven years old. Throughout his life Mark was known for his strong work ethic. He worked at Brunswick for many years before settling in as a journeyman machinist at Dura Automotive in 1994 where he remained for 18 years. In addition to his family, Mark treasured his friends. His closest friend was Bill Hulbert, and he also enjoyed fishing with his buddy, Bob LaVelley, whenever he could. There were so many things that enriched Marks life through the years. A motorcycle enthusiast, he loved taking rides and going on motorcycle trips in addition to spending time at Lake Michigan. Mark also enjoyed both hunting and guns, and he was a lifetime member of the NRA. He was also affiliated with other organizations including the Holton VFW Post 3195 and the UAW 2417. Life was not without times of great trial for Mark. He was deeply saddened with the death of his brother, Earl, in 1994 and the death of his father in 1999. Marks hard times didnt end there, however, as his mothers death in 2002 was particularly devastating to him as well. It was in November of this past year that Mark began showing signs of illness, and from there he experienced a gradual decline in his overall health. He was unable to overcome the war that raged against him, and he drew his last breath surrounded by his loving family. Through the life of Mark Bloomstrom we are reminded that each day is a gift to spend with those we love. He was an honest man who believed in working hard while making time to enjoy life, too. Mark will be remembered for his kind heart, his fun-loving spirit, and his unending devotion to his family. Mark E. Bloomstrom died on Saturday, March 3, 2012. Marks family includes his wife, Autumn; son, Andrew Bloomstrom of Muskegon; daughter, April (Dave) Misner of Muskegon; grandson, Shawn Misner; brothers, Dale (Patty) Bloomstrom of Twin Lake, Alan (Lyn) Bloomstrom of AR; and several nieces & nephews. Mark was preceded in death by his son, Mark, Jr. and brother, Earl. Services will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2012, 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Lyle Wood officiating and Military Honors under the Auspices of the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Visit with Marks family and friends on Friday, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choosing. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook.