Max “Butch” L. Bloomquist II, 78, of Fairfield, IA passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospital. As were his wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to gather at one of his favorite places, the Fairfield Elks Lodge, starting at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026. It will be just as Butch would have wanted…food, refreshments, and great stories. Memorial contributions in Butch’s honor may be directed to Stead Family Children’s Hospital or to the Fairfield Elks to be used for the support of veterans and may be mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfunerlahome.com.
Butch Bloomquist entered this life on March 4, 1947, in Fairfield, IA the son of Max and Vivian Wiseman Bloomquist. He attended school in Fairfield until the family moved to Birmingham. He finished high school in Van Buren, graduating with the class of 1965. During this time, he developed a love for music, especially the drums. After graduation he attended the WTBA Fraternity at Parsons College and occasionally went to class. He was a member of the Parsons Marching Band, following his passion for music. He would continue to make music a part of his life as a member of the Fairfield Dixieland Band and the 34th Army Band, Iowa National Guard.
Butch was introduced to the love of his life, Carla Whipple while working at the Dad & Lad Men’s Clothing Store in Fairfield. This began a whirlwind relationship that led to marriage three months later. This was the first chapter in a story that lasted over 47 years. Together they became the proud parents of their son, Derek. Butch spent many years at Rockwell Meritor in Fairfield working as a machinist until it’s closing. He then went to work for John Deere Ottuwma Works as a painter where he would eventually retire. Butch was a fan of the outdoors and loved quiet walks in the woods. He enjoyed his time spent playing in the bands and always appreciated a good song or playlist. Butch found purpose in the Elks organization and worked his way up through the chairs at Fairfield Elks Lodge #1192. For him it wasn’t just an organization, but a place where he could stand proudly supporting its mission and the fellow Elks who became friends and family. It was a place of great memories for both Butch and Carla and it is only fitting that we will celebrate and remember him in a place he felt so welcome.
Butch was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Ron Bloomquist; a sister in infancy, Caren Bloomquist; sister-in-law and husband, Vicky (Keith) Manning. Left to share his story is his loving wife, Carla Bloomquist of Fairfield, IA; his son, Derek (Jenny) Bloomquist of Davenport, IA; brother, Lonnie (Terresa) Bloomquist of Promise City, IA; brothers-in-law, Steve (Rita) Whipple of St. Joseph, MO and Greg Whipple of Zionsville, IN; three children special to his heart, Addison, Kayden, and Maverick, as well as many extended family, and many, many friends.
