Cloudy, 40° F
(Jan. 8, 1922 - May 9, 2017)
Mary Gene “Genie” Bloomquist died peacefully May 9, 2017, at Spirit Mountain Hospice House in Cody. She was 95.
Genie was born in Poteau, Oklahoma, to Eva Elizabeth (Fincher) and Caswell Shaw Neal on Jan. 8, 1922.
She attended Texas State Women’s College as an art major. She then decided “I wanted to learn how to ski” so she transferred to the University of Colorado, earning her bachelor of science degree. She also met her future husband, Charles David Bloomquist.
Charlie enlisted in the Navy, and the two continued their courtship through letters. Charlie proposed to Genie in a letter while he was on duty in the Pacific. The two were married on Nov. 29, 1945.
The couple had four children: Linda Anne, David Neal, Donald Charles and John Eric.
They lived in Castle Rock, Colorado, where Chuck opened up a family medical practice. Genie was his teammate. The doctor’s office was attached to the house, and she always had the coffee pot on, goodies, lemonade, and, on many occasions, helped deliver a baby or stitch up a child.
The family moved to Texas, where Genie started her teaching career. After returning to Colorado, Genie taught special education for 20 years. She brought much joy and caring to her job.
Chuck died of heart disease in 1982 at the age of 61.
In 1984, Genie and her old college sweetheart, Harold J. Herder came in contact. H.J. moved to Colorado and he and Genie would spend the next 28 years together. H.J. died in 2011.
Genie moved to Cody to be with her daughter, Linda. She had a very active life in Cody and met many new friends.
Genie was preceded in death by her parents; husband Dr. Charles; brother Caswell; and son David.
She is survived by her daughter Linda (Cap) Bell, son Donald (Sheryl) Bloomquist, and son John (Jenny) of Helena, Montana. She was blessed with nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at the Cody United Methodist Church, 1405 Beck Ave. Cody, on Thursday, May 25, at 3 p.m. Memorials can be made to the Spirit Mountain Hospice House or Cody United Methodist Church (roof fund).
