Obituary of Virginia Blomquist

Virginia Ruth Blomquist (nee Olson), 86, of Waukegan, passed away December 8, 2012. Born on January 13, 1926, in Moline, Ill., she graduated from Lutheran Hospital in Moline and served as a U.S. Army Cadet Nurse. She married Rev. Willard C. Blomquist, a Lutheran pastor, on August 27, 1949, in Cambridge, Ill., and served with him at parishes in Bemidji, Minn.; Davenport, Ia.; and Waukegan, Ill. Virginia worked as a nurse at hospitals in Illinois, Minnesota and Iowa, and was subsequently employed as a field representative for the American Cancer Society from 1976-91. A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, she also cherished her roles as a church and community volunteer, and held the positions of children's choir director, president of the Greenwood School PTA, president of Church Women United, and president of Waukegan Woman's Club. She also spent many years as membership chairman of the Lake County Community Concerts Association. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents (Swan and Esther Olson), five brothers, five sisters, and three infant children. She is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Willard Blomquist; two daughters: Anne Malecki of Libertyville, and Kathryn (James) MacNeil of Crown Point, Ind.; four grandchildren: Matthew (Julia) Santullano of Grayslake, Sophie Malecki of Libertyville, and Eryn and John MacNeil of Crown Point. She is also survived by one sister, Evelyn Swickard of Knoxville, Ill.; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Visitations will take place on Friday, Dec. 14, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd. in Zion; and on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Trinity United Lutheran Church, 658 Grand Ave. in Waukegan. A funeral service will be held at Trinity United Lutheran Church on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. A private interment will follow the funeral. Memorial donations may be given to Trinity United Lutheran Church in Waukegan, or St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 3350 N. Delany Rd., in Waukegan.