David Joseph Blomeke

David Joseph Blomeke, 69, of Waterloo, died Thursday June 7, 2018. David was born November 30, 1948 in Garrett, IN, the son of the late Louis “George” and Marie Ellert Blomeke. David was a 1967 graduate of Hamilton High School and after graduation he joined the U.S. Air Force serving in the Vietnam War. David was a graduate of Indiana Vocational Technical College and was a retired electrician. He was a member of Saint Michael Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus 9186, and VFW post 2749, Kendallville. He is survived by his wife, Betty Blomeke of Waterloo; sons and daughters-in-law, Timothy and Michelle Blomeke of Glen Elyn, ILL, and Nicholas and Jessie Blomeke of Carmel; grandchildren, Tyler, Brooke, Connor, William and Jackson. Brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles and Joni Blomeke of Bluffton, Patrick and Marion Blomeke of Hamilton, and Jerry and Diana Blomeke of Fargo, N D; sisters and brothers-in-law, Linda and Craig Walker of Waterloo, Sharon and Rob Erman of Biloxi, MS, and Denise and Jeffrey Sexton of Findlay, OH; He was preceded in death by his son, Stephen Blomeke; and a brother, Stephen Blomeke. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:30 a.m. Tuesday with visitation one hour prior at Saint Michael Catholic Church 1098 County Road 39, Waterloo. Rev. Daniel Whelan will be officiating.  Visitation will also be held on Monday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services 502 N. Main Street, Auburn. Burial will be held in Saint Michael Catholic Cemetery, Waterloo. Memorial donations may be made to Quiet Knight, a local organization assisting veterans in need. 

Life Story of David J. Blomeke

With unwavering loyalty and firm resolve, David Joseph Blomeke lived a life rich in family and service to others. A proud veteran, David possessed an enduring commitment to his country and strove for excellence and integrity in everything he did. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who fully relished time spent in the good company of those he loved; he unflinchingly supported each of his family members in all of their endeavors. Cloaked in a tough guy exterior, David was a man of focus, determination, and dedication; his life spoke volumes to those who knew him best. Revered by many, David’s legacy will long inspire many.

1948 proved a year of continued celebration of the nation’s momentous victory in World War II. America's heroes eagerly returned home to a country filled with renewed spirit and hope ready to claim their share of the American Dream, which they fought so proudly for overseas. As American prosperity grew like no time in our history hope sprang eternal, and the Greatest Generation soon proliferated creating the age of the Baby Boomers. In Detroit, the cause for celebration grew even greater as Louis “George” and Marie Ellert Blomeke welcomed their son David into their hearts and home on November 30th.

Growing up in Northeast Indiana on the family farm during the 50s and 60s, David enjoyed the daily chores of milking the cows and partaking in the butchering of the animals with his father. Hard work, family, and a love of the outdoors proved powerful cornerstones upon which David built the rest of his life. With an inherent sense of perseverance and a need to be self-reliant, David naturally embraced the world with a sense of determination. He possessed a keen eye for detail as evidenced in the meticulous care of his cars as a teen. He was particularly fond of his canary yellow Chevy Camaro which was his first vehicle purchase after being discharged from the U. S. Air Force and kept it flawlessly detailed at all times.

After graduating from Hamilton High School in 1967, David joined the U.S. Air Force. For several years, David proudly served as an Airman in the Vietnam War. After safely returning home, Sergeant Blomeke soon reacquainted himself with a former schoolmate, Betty, whom he’d gone out on a few double dates (with other people) during high school. The two began dating and quickly realized they were obviously destined to share their futures together. On August 5, 1972, David and Betty exchanged their vows surrounded by friends and family at Saint Michael Catholic Church and officially began their 46-year marriage.

A graduate of Indiana Vocational Technical College, David made his career as an electrician, while Betty made hers as a teacher. Together, they soon welcomed three sons to their family. Timothy, Stephen and Nicholas were David’s pride, and he dedicated his life to affording them a solid home and sense of family. Fiercely protective, stubborn as a mule, and deeply private, David was loving in his own way. Instead of hugs and kisses, he showered his boys with slaps on the back and enthusiastically passed along his love for the Cubs and the outdoors with his sons. An avid hunter, David proudly shared his duck, geese, and deer hunting skills. He also supported his boys' athletic pursuits and particularly enjoyed coaching Nick’s baseball team.

National Lampoon’s Vacation was the Blomekes’ reality. David was famous for loading up the car to capacity and refusing to stop until they were nearly out of gas. Despite his stern structures, the family made many wonderful memories on the road. Their trip to California was particularly memorable, especially their stop in Vegas to take in the sights. Traveling to Colorado to visit “Big Steve” and spending time in Denver to participate in a Peregrine Falcon release also left powerful impressions on the entire family.

As David and his sons grew older, he learned to express his love and pride more freely. His sons knew their father had their backs and that his faith in their greatness was undauntable. Even when they chose to attend Purdue instead of his beloved Indiana University, he made room on the couch every time IU played Purdue so they could cheer on their favorite opposing teams in each other’s good company.

For those who knew him best, it was clear that David found joy in helping people. He was a very good handy/fix it man who easily volunteered his time and skills. He was a lifetime member of Saint Michael Catholic Church and also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus 9186, and VFW post-2749, Kendallville.

While helping others afforded David great joy, his heart’s delight was his grandchildren. He easily recognized the best of his legacy in Tyler, Brooke, Connor, William, and Jackson’s eyes and cherished every moment he shared with them. Their energy, enthusiasm, and affection effortlessly softened David as evidenced by the easy smiles and abundant laughter they shared with one another.

Clearly, the world feels less certain in the absence of David’s steadfast presence. May the many treasured memories we have of this good man’s many gifts in our lives afford deep comfort. May it also afford comfort to know that each of us carries his strong spirit in our hearts. With each moment we cheer on our favorite teams, talents we share in service to others, and time together we treasure, we stoke the flame of David’s legacy and ensure that it continues to inspire others as he so inspired us.

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