Alan Blomquist

Alan K. Blomquist, 77, Grand Forks, North Dakota died peacefully on Monday, February 16, 2015 surrounded by his family. Alan was born March 5, 1937 near Fairdale, North Dakota, the son of Albin and Una (Overbye) Blomquist. He graduated from Edmore High School in 1954. He married Phyllis Berg on July 1, 1956. During Alan's lifetime he was very active in church, serving in many leadership roles. He was a member of Sharon Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. After working 10 years for the Johnson Store, he worked in law enforcement and security. Alan served 32 years on the North Dakota Highway Patrol, his last post being commander of the Grand Forks District, and later worked for 6 years at the Grand Forks Federal Building. Alan's lifelong passion was his music. He was a self-taught guitar player and an excellent soloist. He taught his daughters and several grandchildren how to play the guitar. It gave him great pleasure to sing at his daughter's weddings and several grandchildren's baptisms. To bring some joy back into people's lives following the flood of 1997, Alan and his wife Phyllis organized the North Valley Accordion Band. Alan played the keyboard as background for the 10 accordionists when they played at nursing homes, picnics, outdoor events, and many other functions. With his quick wit and the music, he had the audience singing and dancing at every performance till the very last note. He also played and sang old time and country music with his wife as "Gentle Country", with two dear friends Al and Ella as "Gentle Country Folk", and with friends Don and Ted as "Too Old To Die Young". His grandchildren were his pride and joy. They lovingly called him Pockga. Pockga and his camcorder could be found at every grandchild's ball game or musical event from Grand Forks to Fargo to Phoenix. Alan was deeply loved by and will be missed by his wife, Phyllis; daughters, Lori Blomquist, Dilworth, MN, Becca (Mark) Lucas, Phoenix, AZ, and Nanci (Mike) Olson, Grand Forks; grandchildren, Andrea (Ben) Brakefield, Kevin Jensen, Troy and Daniel Lucas, Todd (Morgan) Olson, Derek (Britney) Olson, and Erin Olson (special friend Adam); siblings, David (Terry) Blomquist, Philip (Virginia) Blomquist, Eunice (Ardus) Nelson, and Linda (John) Murphy. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Karen, a sister, Eleanor, and a niece, Kathi. Funeral Services: 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 20, 2015 in Sharon Lutheran Church 1720 S. 20th St., Grand Forks. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Prayer Service Thursday, February 19, 2015 in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks and one hour prior to the service in church. Interment will be in Jamestown, ND.