Rev. Donald E. Bloomster

Donald Everett Bloomster, 94, of Erie, formerly of Marienville, PA., passed from this life to his Eternal Life on July 18, 2023, holding his wife, Shirley’s hand.

Born on July 8, 1929 in Bradford, PA, he was the son of the late Jesse and Margaret Ross Bloomster.

He attended schools in Bradford, but due to his family moving, he graduated from Lodi High School, Lodi, OH. He furthered his education at Otterbein College, graduating with a B.A. and B.S. in math and religion, going on to serve as a student pastor and receiving his Master of Divinity degree from Drew University. In 1955 he was ordained in the Methodist Church and served for 43 years as pastor at churches in Fairview, Dravosburg, Asbury (Erie), Warren First United Methodist Church, Union City First United Methodist Church and Moorehead (Brockway). Retiring in 1994, he continued to serve as interim pastor at Emporium and Johnsonburg United Methodist Churches.

On January 17, 1953 at Kephart EUB Church he married the former Shirley J. Chagnot. They celebrated 70 years of marriage this past January.

While his interests were vast and varied, he was an active member of the Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church serving on a variety of committees and boards, serving as director of many conference summer camping events at Camp Allegheny, Jumonville and Wesley Woods, additionally assisting in youth and adult backpacking camps. For many years he was board member of the Ruth M. Smith Center, as well as being along time member of the Marienville Lions Club, assisting with many pancake breakfasts, chicken barbeques and Minstrel Shows, and the Marienville Community Choir.  

Music, travel and missions played a vital part throughout his life. His tenor voice was enjoyed from his high school choir, to  the Otterbein Men’s Glee Club and the Ministers Chorus. His travel took him to every state plus multiple countries, and included mission work in Alaska, Louisiana and Mexico.

In addition to his wife, Shirley, he is survived by his four children, Bonnie (Ronald) Hipwell, Brad (Jeannie) Bloomster, Brent (Carmen) Bloomster and Bruce (Jennifer) Bloomster; his 12 grandchildren; his 12 great grandchildren; and his sister, Doralyn Johnson.

Those preceding him in death are his parents, his sister, Dorothy, and his great grandson, Sebastian.

His family will receive friends on Saturday, July 22, 2023 from 11AM-1PM at Marienville Methodist Church. A funeral service will follow at 1PM at the church with the Reverends Brad Bloomster and Ronald Hipwell, as co-officiates.

Graveside services will follow in North Forest Cemetery, Jenks Township, Forest County.

Memorial donations may be made in Rev. Bloomster’s memory to Wesley Woods Camp, 1001 Fiddlersgreen Rd., Grand Valley, PA. 16420. 

Friends and family may order flowers, leave online condolences, light a memorial candle, share a memory and obtain additional information by visiting www.furlongfuneralhome.com.

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