Richard "Rick"  E. Blomstrom, class of 1967, died March 23, 2023 in Austin, Texas.

Among his family members who survive are brother Jim class of 1968, and sister Chris, class of 1969.

From his daughter-in-law:

"He passed away on March 23rd. He had been sick with COPD and in recent months the disease had progressed rapidly. 

There was no visitation or funeral service, as the family wanted time to grieve privately. Word of his passing has primarily been by word of mouth."

From his sister, Chris Blomstrom Montgomery class of 1969:

Rick was born in 1948 in Vermillion, SD

He spent his early years in Durango, Colo where he learned to fish, hunt, hike, ski and love the mountains.

He then lived in Tempe, AZ where he finished middle school and a few years of high school.  Rick played football at Tempe High, loved building and riding go-carts and became interested in music.  He also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout while in Tempe.

He then moved to Okemos, Mi where he finished high school at Okemos High.  While in Michigan he made many life longs friends, continued with his music and played lead guitar in the Chancellors band.  They played at school functions, state fairs and other fun venues.

After graduating in 1967, Rick attended college in Traverse City.  He then transferred to MSU where he obtained a degree in Marketing.  After graduation, he bought a van and a cat and set out across the country selling jewelry.  He had joined the popular hippie movement.   What an adventure he had.   After a short time of being hungry and not sleeping much he decided to join the hospitality industry and got a job in Cleveland, Oh.  He spent the next 35 years working in various aspects of the industry including Westin Hotels, La Quinta Inns and Suites, Marcus Group and the Strater Hotel in Durango.  He lived in Cleveland, Orlando, Milwaukee, San Antonio, Austin and Durango. Rick had a very nice career and made many lifelong acquaintances along the way.

Rick retired in Austin with his wife and three sons.  He and Phillie spent winters in Austin and summers in Milwaukee where her extended family lives.  He loved his Harley Davidsons and toured the country on his motorcycle with his Austin “biker buddies”. He also loved time raising a few cows at his friend’s ranch.  Rick and Phillie enjoyed a nice retirement together.  

Rick leaves behind his wife Phillie, son Evan, step sons Miles and Dillon, his sister Chris Montgomery and brother Jim.  He loved each of them dearly and they meant the world to him.  

Thank you to Lorraine DuRocher class of 1968 for notification. 

"The Chancellors - "Journey" - Lansing, MI '60s garage rock"  

"One in a Million"

"5 Minus 3"