Leonard John Blomberg

Leonard John Blomberg, 93, of Sullivan, MO, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at LifeCare Center of Sullivan. Born in Cuba, Missouri, on February 1, 1930, to his parents, John and Augusta (Wespi) Blomberg, Leonard's life was marked by service, dedication, and a passion for adventure.

Leonard's journey began in Cuba, MO, where he grew up and attended local schools. As a young man, he found employment at a local family farm, an experience that sparked a lifelong interest in farming and old farm equipment. This passion for understanding how things work laid the groundwork for his future career and interests.

Honorably serving his country, Leonard entered the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following his discharge, he embarked on a career at Fabick in St. Louis. It was during his commute to and from St. Louis that he met the love of his life, Betty Jean Brown. The couple married on June 5, 1954. The next year their son James was born.

After living briefly in St. Louis, Leonard and Betty moved back to Sullivan, where Leonard began working for PACCO, which later became BorgWarner. Leonard's dedication to his work was evident in his long tenure with the company, from which he retired in 1995.

Beyond his professional life, Leonard had a love for planes and flying. He obtained his private pilot's license and shared a plane with his friend, Bob Stegeman. This passion for aviation was just one example of Leonard's adventurous spirit and willingness to explore the world around him.

Retirement didn't slow Leonard down; instead, it offered him the opportunity to travel and create memories with Betty. Some of their favorite destinations included the Grand Canyon, Alaska, and the Caribbean. The couple also enjoyed attending the Old Threshers Reunion in Mt. Pleasant, IA, and the hot air balloon race in Albuquerque, NM. These experiences highlighted Leonard's love for exploration and his joy in sharing these moments with his beloved wife prior to Betty’s death in 2012.

Leonard was a longtime member of Temple Baptist Church in Sullivan, where he served as an usher until his later years. His faith was an important part of his life, and he dedicated much of his time to serving his church community.

Leonard is survived by his son, James Blomberg of Sullivan; a sister, Hilda Tavenner and husband, Ed of Cuba, MO; a brother-in-law, Donald Brown of Sullivan; a sister-in-law, Mary Alumbaugh of Emporia, KS; nieces and nephews: Patricia Tavenner and fiancé, Steve Besemer of Jefferson City, MO, John Tavenner and wife, Shannon of Cuba, MO, Monica Wullschleger and husband, John of Emporia, KS, Joe and Belinda Brown of Marble Hill, MO, Lesa and Bill Meadows of Woodburn, IN, and Matt and Abby Varnon of St. Peters, MO; great niece and nephews: Abigail & Jared Tavenner of Cuba, MO and Lane Wullschleger of Emporia, KS; a special friend, Marcy Miller of Sullivan; and numerous other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his parents; and two infant sisters, Hazel Clara & Ruth Mae.

Services will be 10 AM, Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at Temple Baptist Church of Sullivan with Pastor Scott Perry officiating. Interment will follow at Cave Springs Cemetery, Sullivan.

Visitation will be 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at Temple Baptist Church of Sullivan.

Memorials in Leonard's memory may be given to either the iXL Academy ministry of Temple Baptist Church and/or the MRT Fund with Temple Baptist Church.

Friends may share condolences online with Leonard's family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan, MO.