Roger Bloom
Roger Bloom of Traverse City was born in Detroit to Shirley Anne (Goldner) and Richard Newton Bloom.
Raised in Royal Oak by loving parents in caring neighborhood communities, schools, and the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, he took on the service of others at an early age. In fourth grade he watched a border guard leave his post on the way to school. Roger jumped in spontaneously to take responsibility at what he thought was a crucial moment. In his youth, Roger enjoyed baseball, wrestling, cross country, track and field, basketball and motorcycling.
Roger studied criminal law at Wayne State University. He felt called to do an internship as a camp counselor at the Joy of Jesus summer camp to provide community for young urban youth in a rural setting. Roger met his beloved Carla while studying for a Masters when they were both volunteer advisors in a program that distracted young people from participating in juvenile justice. The two married after Roger joined the Michigan State Police Department in 1986. Together they raised a son, Geoff.
Roger’s MSP career spanned 31 years. He proudly served in the Pontiac, Ithaca, Newaygo, Traverse City, and Cadillac posts. Roger particularly enjoyed conducting criminal investigations and persistently following leads until he solved crimes. He strove to respect the rights and dignity of every person he served, be they victims or alleged perpetrators. Towards the end of his MSP career, Roger was a recruiter and background investigator. It gave him great pleasure to recognize potential and to look after the offspring not only in the troops, but also in other police stations. Upon retirement, Roger proudly served as bailiff in the Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office.
In his spare time, Roger enjoyed hiking, biking, snowshoeing, kayaking, and camping. As steward of the land, he enjoyed restoring his Newaygo and Traverse City possessions by planting and caring for hundreds of native trees and other native plants. Roger lived a humble lifestyle and supported numerous environmental, social and justice organizations – locally, nationally and internationally.
Roger had a zest for life and a deep love for family, friends and the wonders of nature. Towards the end of his life, he mastered great physical challenges in order to live his life as long as possible. He was grateful for every day and every encounter. He died at home in the loving company of his family members.
Survivors of Roger are his wife Carla (Chambers) Bloom; Son, Geoff Bloom (Jaren Provo); Siblings Edward (Deborah) Bloom, Kathy (Robert) Young, and Carl (Kathleen) Bloom; Mother-in-law, Violet Chambers; Siblings in law, Sylvia Light (Donald Bowman), Clint Chambers, Jeffrey (Holly) Chambers, Sheila Wolfe, and Cynthia Watson; as well as numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces. Before Roger died, were his parents.
The celebration of life takes place on Monday 19th July. Visit at 12 noon followed by a church service in the pavilion of the Botanical Gardens in Historic Barns Park, 1490 Red Drive, Traverse City.
Monuments can be directed to SEEDS Ecology and Education Centers, 425 Boardman Ave, Traverse City, MI 49684 or the Grand Traverse Conservation District, 1450 Cass Rd, Traverse City, 49685.
Published on July 15, 2021
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