Milton Hart Blomquist

Milton Hart Blomquist, known as Whistling Pete the Postman, a lifelong resident of Taylor, passed away in the early morning hours of May 5, 2018 at the age of 95. He is survived by his two sons, David (Cynthia) Blomquist of Granger, Larry (Penny) Blomquist of Phoenix, AZ, and his daughter, Lydia (Jim) Brogan of Taylor, grandchildren Rebecca Short (Matt) &Alyssa Blomquist; Johnathan, Alayna & Kara Blomquist;  Cricket (Matt) Clark, Drake & Jordan Brogan, his brother, F.A. Blomquist and brothers-in-law H.E. Rowland and Wallace Johnson as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Pete graduated from Taylor High School in 1941. He joined the Navy on November 5, 1942 and went through training to become a Navy Corpsman. He also went through Marine Combat training and was attached to the 3 ^rd Marine Division as a medic. He saw action in the Pacific at Bougainville, Guam, and Guadalcanal during World War II. He was awarded the Presidential Citation, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with 2 campaign stars, the American Theater Medal, the American Victory Medal and the Navy Good Conduct Medal. After serving for 38 months, he returned home and enlisted in the Army National Guard.

While working for the United States Post Office as a mail carrier, an occupation he would remain in for 35 years, he met and married the love of his life, Neta Elizabeth Knox. Pete was very active in his church, singing in the choir, working on the Administrative Board, presiding as president of the Methodist Men, Superintendent of Sunday School, and teaching Sunday School. He did a lot of singing at the local rest homes, was a HOST and M.A.P.S. mentor, as well as a crossing guard for T.H. Johnson Elementary for 16 years.

In April of 1994 he was chosen by KVUE-24 as one of the recipients of the 5-Who Care Community Service Award for his tireless volunteer work at local nursing homes. In March of 1996 he was chosen as Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Taylor Rotary club. Pete was also active in the American Legion receiving a certificate in 2009 for 60 years of membership and serving in various capacities, most notably chaplain. He also visited shut-ins, volunteered at churches and civic organizations, was involved with Special Olympics, cancer drives, and other community events. One of his favorite activities was to appear as Santa Claus at daycares, nursing homes, and various churches. Throughout his life, Pete walked in service to his fellow man, family, and God, singing, laughing, and whistling the entire way. His was truly a life of service.

Celebration of Life will take place at Providence Funeral Home on Sunday, May 13 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Services will be held on Monday, May 14 at 10:30 at 10 ^th Street United Methodist Church. Interment to follow at Taylor City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to 10 ^th Street UMC, Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry, or the charity of your choice.