William K. Blomquist

William Kenneth "Bill" Blomquist, 92, of Albion died Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, in Ovid Healthcare Center. He had been in declining health since being struck by a car in 2018 and had a recent bout with Covid-19.

Bill was born Nov. 23, 1928, in Albion, the only child of Andrew and Jessie I. (Letto) Blomquist. He was a 1947 graduate of Washington Gardner High School, where he played basketball and softball and served on the Executive Board.

During his senior year, he worked as a printer's devil at the Recorder Press Co. After graduation, he went to work there full-time, running the print shop for more than 50 years. He liked to say, "I went in as a kid and came out as an old man. I got ink in my blood and just never got it out." For decades, he supervised production of many Albion College publications, including "The Pleiad" and commencement programs.

Bill registered for the draft during World War II six days after his 18th birthday but was not called. He served for many years in the National Guard. He was a lifelong supporter of veterans, especially those who served during WWII, and accompanied Professor Wesley Dick's Albion College classes on tours of war memorials in Washington, D.C., sharing his knowledge.

A charter member and former president of the Albion Historical Society, he spent many hours in the World War II Room he created at Gardner House Museum, talking with and about area veterans. The display originally was scheduled to remain mounted for two years but stayed in place for 14 years. Bill was still collecting information for it when he was injured.

The historical society, which hosted an open house in honor of his 90th birthday, has digitized most of the display. Without Bill's hard work and dedication, much of the history of this generation would be lost.

He collected Native American artifacts for decades and became a popular speaker on the topic. Bill also enjoyed sharing stories and history backgrounds about Albion, many of which are not recorded. "He was passionate about Albion history and wanted to pass along the information," said Andrew Zblewski, president of the historical society. "If anyone had a question about Albion, he was the man to ask."

Bill began volunteering in the Local History Room of the Albion District Library in 1997, when the paper-based collections were transferred from Gardner House Museum, and was still volunteering there at the time of the accident. He also participated in a weekly roundtable of local veterans at Cascarelli's.

He was a member of Patrick Leo Hanlon American Legion Post 55.

In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and spending time at Silver Lake. Never a driver, Bill was a familiar daily sight in Albion, walking while wearing a bright hunter-orange hat. He said walking offered him the opportunity to develop a tremendous data bank about Albion history. He often photographed local scenes while on his walks.

"He was known for taking time to chat with folks," said Celeste Connamacher, former historical society president. "He also was blessed with a great memory."

Bill, who resided in the same home for 91 years, enjoyed eating out, especially at Charlie's Tavern, the 115 Restaurant & Truck Stop and the Little Red Lunch Box.

The description of Bill in his high school yearbook reads: "Although he appears quiet and shy, William's one on whom to rely."

Survivors include his cousins and caregivers, Clyde and Louann Casler of Laingsburg, and a host of Albion friends.

A Graveside Service will be held Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 1:00pm at Riverside Cemetery with Pastor Al Henson officiating with Military Honors by the American Legion Post #55 of Albion.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Albion Historical Society, the Albion District Library Local History Room or American Legion Post 55.

Arrangements entrusted by J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion, MI 49224

To leave online messages of condolence, please visit www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com