James Blomenberg, RIP

My brother Steve sent me this message:

James Blomenberg died on Monday, April 13, 2009, of a heart attack. It was the day after Easter,and James was not feeling well, so he drove himself to the local hospital near his home in Indiana. He died at the hospital. Evidently, he was somewhat overweight (hard to believe).

His dad still lives in the Blomenberg family home in Seward, and is in his 90s.

Here are excerpts from the obituary in The Republic newspaper of Columbus, Indiana, where he lived.

... James was born in Columbus, Ind., March 13, 1953, to Gilbert P. and Bertha Marie Koch Blomenberg. He was baptized April 5 of the same year at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Columbus. On May 7, 1967, he was confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Seward, Neb. He attended church at St. John's Lutheran Church at White Creek in Columbus.

James graduated from Concordia High School in Seward, Neb., in 1971 and from Concordia Teacher's College in Seward in 1975. In 1977 he earned a master's degree in instructional systems technology from Indiana University and in 1987 earned an associate's degree in statistical process quality control technology at Ivy Tech.

James joined Cummins Engine Company in 1981 and retired from Cummins Jan. 1, 2009. ... James gained APIC's certification in two areas of MRP. He was also ASQC certified and an ASQC member, treasurer and board member and served as national quality month co-chair.

In 2001, James earned the position of Six Sigma Master Black Belt.

Prior to employment at Cummins, James taught mathematics at ABC-Stewart for two years.

His hobbies included restoration of antique furniture and clocks and he was a member of National Association of Clock and Watch Collectors. He collected religious books and music and was interested in genealogy, Bartholomew County history and Lutheran Church history. He also followed Hoosier Salon art and special-interest automobiles.

In retirement, he was authoring a book about the life and art of his grandfather, T.J. Koch.

Family was of great importance to James. He viewed his role as a husband, father, grandfather, son, nephew, godfather, brother, uncle and great-uncle to be one of God's greatest gifts. Whatever the role, James brought humor, words of wisdom and comfort to all.

James was a devout Lutheran who valued Lutheran doctrine, Lutheran education and Lutheran history. The Lutheran Church's musical heritage was also of great importance to him. ...

Online condolences may be sent to the Blomenberg family at www.barkesweaverglick.com. [Click on the Obituaries button on the home page. On the next webpage, click on the "Blomenberg, James M." link. On the next webpage, click the "View/Send Condolences" link under his photograph.]

James married Janeen L. Miller Aug. 14, 1976.

Survivors include his father, of Seward, Neb.; his wife; children, Emila (Logan) Fowler of Columbus and Paul (Amy) Blomenberg of Denver, Colo.; brothers, Dr. Theodore (Saundra) Blomenberg of Decatur, Ind., John F. (Susan Ann) Blomenberg of Seward, Neb., and Dr. Daniel (Deanna) Blomenberg of Norfolk, Neb.; sisters, Dr. Paula Blomenberg (Charles Rager) of Tampa, Fla., Rhoda (Dr. Dominick) Toulouse of Seattle, Wash., and Andrea (Drew) Woodburn of York, Neb.; a granddaughter, Katerina Fowler, and a grandchild to arrive next month; 11 nephews; 18 nieces; six great-nephews; and two great-nieces.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Bertha Marie Blomenberg, and a sister, Sarah Ann Blomenberg.

I had been thinking about Jim Blomenberg recently because of my blog. I think he would have liked reading the blog and might have participated by writing some articles. He was a funny and sociable person who livened up every gathering of people, telling jokes and stories. His whole family was that way. Both parents were jolly types.

I remember visiting his home and remember him visiting our home. Both our families had lots of kids, and both homes were loud and full of activity.

His parents made all the kids study music seriously. When I dropped by he often was practicing his piano, playing very difficult pieces. I was envied him for playing so well, and he envied me for not ever really having to practice my trombone!

None of the Blomenbergs were in my class, so I knew Jim through my brother Steve, who was a good friend.

I also remember his older brother John, who was about two years ahead of me. John too was unusually funny. I remember also that John surprised everyone when he belatedly joined the Concordia High School football team and turned out to be a star player.