Carl Blomquist

Carl A. Blomquist, 90, of Bloomington, passed away Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at his home.

Carl was born May 10, 1935, in Jeanerette, Louisiana, the son of Emil and Annie Toland Blomquist. He married Cecelia Elias on April 15, 1961, in Bartlesville, OK. She survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Annette (Neil) Kao, Greer, SC, Rita (David) Jacobs, Morton, IL and Cheryl (Rob) Dwyer, Bloomington, IL; seven grandchildren, Laura (Dan) Campbell, Ryan Dwyer, Alyssa Dwyer, Elaine (Michael Brumbaugh) Kao, Yvonne Kao, Eric (Alexandra) Kao and Elise Kao; and two great grandchildren, Naomi Kao and Mateo Brumbaugh.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Betty Ann Blomquist and Emily Higdon.

Carl received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Louisiana State University, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tulsa and his PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. He worked as a chemical engineer for Argonne National Laboratory for many years, retiring in 1999.

In his younger years Carl was an Eagle Scout, Valedictorian of his High School class and he also served as a Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Carl was a dedicated family man and a devoted Catholic. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church of Merna and the Knights of Columbus.

Carl liked to stay active. He enjoyed skiing, running, biking, and was a former member of the Joliet Bicycle Club. He was also an avid wood worker and could build or fix nearly anything he set his mind to. In his quieter moments he enjoyed reading and crossword puzzles.

His funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church of Merna, Bloomington with Rev. Dustin Schultz officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Merna. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m., Tuesday at the Church. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington is assisting the family.

Memorials may be directed to St. Vincent de Paul Society or the charity of the donor’s choice.

To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.