Bloem, Mr. John 521 Fairview, Passed away Monday everning, May 18, 1981. Mr. Bloem was born January 29, 1896, in Kalamazoo, son of Heiko and Grace Driessens Bloem. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School, Kalamazoo College Pre Law, Parsons Business College and George Washington University in Washington, D.C. with a Law Degree. At an early age, and during high school years, he was a carrier for the Evening Telegraph and later for the Kalamazoo Gazette. He opened his first law practice in Otsego, Mich. in 1922.

In Otsego, he served as secretary to the Chamber of Commerce, was a City Attorney and a Circuit Court Commissioner. In 1924, he was elected Prosecuting Attorney for Allegan County and served one term and did not seek re-election. In 1926, he returned to his hometown, Kalamazoo, and opened his law office. He was active in civic affairs. He was a member of Kalamazoo Civic Theater where he took part in many plays. For the duration of WW II, he served as an Appeals Agent for the Kalamazoo County Draft Board on a voluntary basis. He received from President Truman, a certificate of appreciation "For Service Uncompensated, Patriotically Rendered to His Country".

He served as secretary of Kalamazoo Home for the Aged. He had served as president of the Kalamazoo County Bar Assoc. and was honored by the State Bar Assoc. of Michigan for practicing law for 50 years. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he had served as a deacon and elder. On Sept. 14, 1921, he was united in marriage to Florence Sliss Bloem, who survives.

Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. It was his wish to be cremated that no visitation be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Senior Citizens Fund or a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Arrangements by the Langeland Memorial Chapel 622 S. Burdick. source: Kalamazoo Gazette 19 May 1981