Bill Bloom

William J. “Bill” Bloom, 87, died peacefully, Sunday, January 8, 2017 at his home where he was surrounded by his loving family.



He was born April 14, 1929 in Toledo, Ohio to the late William H. and Estella E. (Shaw) Bloom. Bill arrived in Bucyrus at a young age and began working for Adam and Corrine Boryczka at the newspaper; they had a huge influence on his life and, in fact, Bill considered them his surrogate parents. During this time, he met a young lady named Doris J. Rehm and they hit it off. Shortly thereafter, Bill was drafted to serve in the US Army, working as a cook and was proud to have prepared Vice President, Alben Barkley a turkey dinner before his honorable discharge in 1952. Upon his return, he married his sweetheart, Doris on November 23 and she survives.



Bill resumed his job with the Telegraph Forum, working as a printer and ending his career as a Composing Room Foreman after 48 years with the newspaper. Bill was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church; American Legion, Post 181 where he was a Past Commander; 32nd degree Mason; Aladdin Shrine, serving as a drummer in the Drum and Bugle Corps; and he was also a member of the 40 & 8.



Bill was a self-taught “jack of all trades” who always had to be doing something. He was often seen on his favorite scooter riding around and stopping to collect cans while venturing around Ohio. Bill enjoyed woodworking and crafted many doll baby cradles, wagons, and wooden tricycles as gifts for his grandchildren. He assisted Helen Picking Neff by making and assembling wooden handles for copper scoops sold at shows. He learned the art of stained glass and his work was used in the Bucyrus Elementary School renovation, Lowe Volk Park, and he restored many church windows. Bill loved following his girls in their activities and rarely missed an event that included his grandchildren. He loved working with youth and coached the local American Legion baseball team for several years, but his greatest passion was his time spent as an Auxiliary Officer with the Ohio State Highway Patrol where he was recognized as having logged the most hours by an auxiliary officer and he received the rank of Major before leaving the auxiliary patrol after 38 years of service. Bill’s most recent life changing experience occurred this past July, when he was the recipient of an Honor Flight, a very humbling event.



In addition to Doris, his wife of 64 years, Bill is survived by two daughters, Lucinda “Cindy” (Stephen) Ross of Bucyrus and Ellen (Lynn) Passet of Findlay; nine grandchildren, Rachel (Matthew) Fix, Chelstin Ross, Christian Ross, Ashley (Adam) Knox, Brian Butte, Kara (Nate) Fawcett, Christine (Adrian) VanHoosier, David Passet and fiancée, Kayla Cochran, and Allison Passet; eight great-grandchildren, Olin, Ivy, Kurtis, Kyle, Kaden, Nora, Morgan, and Regan. He is also survived by a sister, Rose Barnes of Toledo and his black lab, Joey, who he spoiled with every opportunity.



He was preceded in death by three siblings, Edgar Bloom, Hazel Mazur, and John Mazur.



All services for Bill will be held Wednesday, January 11 at Wise Funeral Service. Masonic rites will be observed at 10:45 am, calling hours will be held from 11-12:45, and his funeral will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. James Barkenquast officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery with military rites by the US Army and American Legion, Post 181 Honor Guards.



Memorial contributions may be given to Flag City Honor Flight or Kindred Hospice through the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on his Tribute Wall.