Eric Blomberg

Eric Allan Blomberg, 99, of Manda, passed away Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at Michael E Debakey Medical Center in Houston, Texas.  Eric was born in Kimbro, the youngest of five children, to Svea Luella Johanna Skog Blomberg and Albin August Blomberg, on October 7, 1922.  Eric grew up on the family farm, plowing with mules and picking cotton. After graduating from Manor High School, he left with his good friend Kermit Weiss, to attend welding school in San Marcos. After obtaining his welding certifications, he moved to Houston, where he worked in the Houston Ship Channel, building Liberty ships.

On January 27, 1944, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served honorably with the 101st Airborne Division in Germany during World War II. He received two Bronze Service Stars of Occupation Ribbons, World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and EAME Theater Ribbon.  He was honorably discharged on May 23, 1946 and returned home to Manda.  He started working with Austin Bridge Company after he returned home and built bridges from Amarillo to Beaumont, while still working on the farm, as time permitted.  On December 9, 1961, he married the love of his life, Joy Marie Hare. The young couple had two children, John and Rachel.  As work demanded, the family moved all over Texas.  Later in his career, he transitioned to building boilers for power plants and settled the family at the farm in Manda. He was proud of numerous accomplishments and was a certified welder on boiler systems until he was in his eighties.

He was active in the Elgin Church of Christ, where he served as a Deacon.  He loved baseball and was a huge fan of the Houston Astros. In the last couple years of his life, even on the days he was not feeling well, he would always make sure he knew when the Astros game would be on TV. He also loved to watch all his westerns on TV, including any western with John Wayne.  He enjoyed fishing and spending time with family.

Eric never met a stranger and would always talk to everyone he met.  He thought of everyone around him before himself and loved his family dearly.

He is preceded in death by both his parents; his four siblings, Hildur Schafer (Paul), Edith Caldwell (Sam), and twin brothers, Milton and Martin Blomberg.

He is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Joy Marie Blomberg; his son, John Blomberg and wife Kanette of Manor; his daughter, Rachel Fails of League City; his seven grandchildren, Loren Blomberg (Bradley), Svea Blomberg, Megan Thurmond (Marcus), Caden Blomberg, John Taylor Blomberg, Andrew Fails, and Payton Fails; two great-grandchildren, Braeley and Lucy; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

A special thanks to all his caregivers over the past few years that allowed him to remain at home including Barbara, Josephine, Lucille, and Jenise. Thanks also to Amada Senior Care for providing respite care with various other caregivers.

Family and Friends will gather for Visitation at Elgin Funeral Home, Thursday, July 7th from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.  A Celebration of Eric’s Life will be conducted at Elgin Funeral Home, Friday, July 8th at 2:00 PM with Brother Tom Nuckels presiding.  Interment with Military Honors will follow at New Sweden Lutheran Church Cemetery.