John H. Bloomstrom

John Harvey Bloomstrom, beloved husband of 73 years to Barbara (nee Black) Bloomstrom, died on June 21, 2024. Born in Detroit, Michigan on September 4, 1928 to John Ernfred Bloomstrom and Elizabeth Pontius Bloomstrom, John graduated from the University of Michigan School of Business in June, 1951.

 John was devoted to his children: John C. (Annette) Bloomstrom, Karen “Pinky” (David) Ryder, and Beth (Clay) Mizelle; grandchildren: Kristen (John) Hurd, Gretchen (Kyle Pohlman) Bloomstrom, Todd (Kim) Ryder, Dan Ryder, Ellen Ryder, Thomas (Kate) Mizelle, Elizabeth (Jon) Hoerle, Eric (Amanda) Mizelle; and great grandchildren: John Henry Hurd, Jacob Hurd, Walter Pohlman, Colin Ryder, Elizabeth Ryder, Luke Mizelle, Avery Mizelle, and Theo Hoerle. His children credit him for instilling in them a strong work ethic, family values and faith-based beliefs. 

 In addition to his devotion to family, John was committed to his company, church, and community.

He was employed by Procter & Gamble for four decades in manufacturing and employee relations assignments in St. Louis, MO; Sacramento, CA; and Cincinnati, OH. One of his favorite roles was helping to integrate the workforce of all US-based manufacturing facilities after the Civil Rights bill was passed in 1964. Another was ensuring the company’s popular holiday basket arrived on time and offered a wide range of food items and new product samples for employees’ families. 

 A 67-year member of the Wyoming Presbyterian Church, he performed many roles, with his favorite being church school superintendent. In addition, John served the Presbytery of Cincinnati for many years.

 John was on the boards of St. Edmunds, Historic Southwest Ohio, and the Wyoming Golf Club. In the late 1950s he worked with others to create and build the Wyoming Swim Club, and in the late 1960s, he worked with the Wyoming School Board to help pass the levy for building a new high school on Pendery Avenue.

 A passionate gardener and landscaper, John created an extensive hillside backyard patio surrounded by sculptured rock walls and raised flower beds filled with unusual specimens offering a series of blooms all season long. Blessed with a broad vocabulary, he was a word puzzle devotee who began each day by solving word jumbles, crossword puzzles, and other challenging word games. His most enduring legacy was his sense of humor and his broad smile that he gladly shared with everyone. 

 A memorial service will be held at the Wyoming Presbyterian Church at 11:00AM on Thursday, July 11 and followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wyoming School Foundation www.wyomingschoolfoundation.org, Cincinnati Parks Foundation www.cincinnatiparksfoundation.org, and Great Parks Foundation www.forever.greatparks.org.