Ernest A. Bloomgren, 90, of Bowman, ND, joined his beloved wife Opal in Heaven's Ballroom to dance the Pennsylvania Polka on July 9, 2015.

Funeral Services for Ernie will be held on Monday, July 13, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bowman Lutheran Church in Bowman. Pastor Mark Nygard will officiate with burial to follow in the Mound Cemetery, rural Rhame, ND. There will be a Family and Friends on Sunday, July 12, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the Bowman Lutheran Church.

Ernest Alfred Bloomgren (a 1st generation American) was born March 27, 1925 at the family farm to John and Esther Bloomgren, Swedish immigrants. He joined brother Edgar and sister Thelma. He attended Cash School before going to Bowman High School.

On June 24, 1946, Ernie married the love of his life, Opal Hayden. They lived in the Mound community where Ernie was employed by Robert Swanke. They then moved to the Milliman place north of Rhame, in Slope County where together they raised 6 children. Ernie farmed and ranched with his Dad, his brother Edgar Pearson and his son Mike. Ernie & Opal retired to Bowman in 1998.

Things and words that come to mind when thinking of Ernie are: Dancing the polka, plowing snow for the neighbors (at all hours), "Behind the Curtain" pie, mischief, generosity, hard work, land stewardship, farming at 4:00 am, loving his wife and children, and did we mention dancing? How Ernie and Opal loved to dance!

He was an outstanding member of the community, and had a part in many of the Slope County Fair skits. Ernie was honored by the Cash Township board for 50 years of service. He also served on the election board for many years. He was a member of the Silver-Haired Legislators, Yesterday's Farmers and Sod Busters as well as the Dakota Prairie Lutheran Parish (which consists of Rhame, Bowman, Bethany and Amidon).

Besides Opal, Ernie's welcoming committee in heaven included his parents, brother Edgar Pearson, sister Thelma McKennett, son Steve, daughter-in-law Sheri Bloomgren-Breen, grandson Richard Kohlmeier, great-grandchildren Haley and Dillon Bloomgren and numerous family and friends.

Ernie leaves behind his children Dorothy (Don) Kohlmeier of Battle Lake, MN, Mike (Heidi) Bloomgren of Scranton, ND, Bette (Dave) Tooley of St. Croix Falls, WI, Cathy (Steve) Wanderaas of Vida, MT and Arley Bloomgren of Fargo, ND. He leaves grandchildren: Kelly (Richard) Kohlmeier, David (Annette) Kohlmeier, Maria and Rebecca Kohlmeier, Jason (Jean) Bloomgren, Justin (Chris) Bloomgren, Jared Bloomgren and special friend Sondra Smith, Erik and Jordan Bloomgren, Chad Tooley, Cara (Matt) Tooley Spurr, Mark (Amie) Peterson, Travis (Katie) Peterson, Paul Wanderaas, Jessica (Axel) Bloomgren Yamil, Josh and Jamie Bloomgren, 26 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He has touched the lives of many and will continue to color our world for the better in the days to come. Heaven is all the richer.

Krebsbach and Kulseth Funeral Services of Bowman in charge of the arrangements.