Rev. Howard L. Bloomquist

Weslaco: Rev. Howard Leroy Bloomquist, 80, passed away at his home on Tuesday, February 15th, 2023. Howard was born on May 8th, 1942, to Elmer and Georgia (Brown) Bloomquist in Rockford, Illinois. 

Howard and his brother George were involved in a youth group when they were teenagers. This group must have made an impact, as they were both called into ministry. After graduating from high school, Howard attended Minnesota Bible College. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Theology and met his soulmate, Delores Kraemer. They were married on June 7th, 1963. 

Howard and Delores were a perfect match. Delores enthusiastically supported Howard by becoming a pianist at each church they served.  

Their ministry began in Concord, Minnesota, where he ministered at a Christian Non-Denominational Church. A few years later, their ministry led to Redwood Falls, Minnesota, and then Marion, Illinois. While serving as a minister in Marion, Howard felt a calling to serve as a Chaplain in Marion’s State Penitentiary. Howard had a servant’s heart and believed in God’s grace and forgiveness, and he passionately shared this good news and prayed with inmates, many of whom turned their lives around and became Christians. 

Howard led Christian non-denominational churches in Jacksonville, Illinois, Garrett, Indiana, and Angola, Indiana. While serving in Garrett, Howard studied to become an EMT to reach more people. Howard was always looking for ways to witness more, and working as an EMT gave him more opportunities. For example, he could pray with people during their lowest and most fearful moments. 

In 1990, Howard became the minister at the First Christian Church of Weslaco, where he and Delores spent the rest of their lives. Howard’s ministry was never limited to the church building. Instead, Howard faithfully and fervently served the local community. He served as chaplain for Knapp Medical Center for many years. Howard led many people to Christ, not just patients and their families but hospital staff. 

Howard always had a heart of compassion, love, and forgiveness. He began his chaplaincy with the Weslaco Police Department to help the community, including the criminals, victims, loved ones, and our men in blue. Howard had the utmost respect for our police officers and was keenly empathetic to the psychological trauma associated with their careers. He ministered and prayed with countless police officers, jailers, firefighters, and administrators. Howard spent over twenty-five years working day and night shifts with our police force. 

Howard also loved serving the elderly. He worked as a chaplain at John Knox Village for over twenty-five years. Howard also visited, prayed, and witnessed at every nursing home in Weslaco. In addition, he was a Weslaco Chamber Ambassador “Red Coat,” an active member of the Weslaco Rotary Club, and a volunteer for the Knapp Foundation and their annual Harvest Night Event. In 2010, Howard was chosen as Weslaco’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year. He was also chosen as KVEO’s Community Hero of the Month, as well as numerous other awards throughout his lifetime. 

After fourteen years of pastoring at The First Christian Church, Howard founded Central Christian Church with the help of his wife, children, and their spouses. The congregation and their outreach grew and were a success. Howard retired from Central Christian in 2015, and today, the RGV Christian Church is still serving the community. 

Howard is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Georgia Bloomquist, and his son, who died as an infant, Craig Alan Bloomquist. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Delores, daughter, Kristine Bloomquist (Ruben Lopez), sons, Kevin H. Bloomquist (Mari), Kirk D. Bloomquist (Essie), all of Weslaco, brother, Rev.George Bloomquist (Kay) of Wichita, KS, grandchildren, Brittany Ann Gonzalez (Freddy), Blake Arthur Bloomquist (Gabriela), Brock Alan Bloomquist, Brooke Bloomquist, and Braxton Bloomquist (Abigail), and great-grandchildren, Averee Bloomquist and Addisyn Gonzalez. 

Visitation will be Saturday, February 18th, 12-4 pm, with a Celebration of Life at 4 pm at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco.