Genelle Blomquist

Genelle Margaret (Osland) Blomquist, born November 7, 1937 in Mayville, ND, and firstborn to George & Nora Osland. She was raised on the family farm 1.5 miles north of town, with 3 siblings Jane, George, and Gary. Genelle loved being a farmer’s daughter, especially the 100% Norwegian and Lutheran part. (ja, ja!)

At 9 years of age, Genelle and friends traveled by steam locomotive to Lake Geneva Bible Camp in Alexandria, MN (now Lake Geneva Christian Center), where she gave her life to Jesus Christ. “Best decision ever!”

In 1948, at 11 years old, dad asked her to be his “tractor girl” for .50 an hour. She was so impressed her dad trusted her in this way. Daddy taught her how to drive. And every summer thereafter she worked the field until she entered nursing school (with pointer finger raised and a wink, she would add, “Without a pay raise”).

Genelle graduated Hillcrest Academy, spring 1955. Then entered Norwegian Swedish Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis that fall. Perhaps a sign of forthcoming events? Genelle worked 32 years as a nurse in small town hospitals. Good value for her nursing school investment.

Co-worker (Gladys Blomquist) arranged a blind date with her brother-in-law. And, it was a match! Marvin (100% Swedish & colorblind) and Genelle (100% Norwegian) were married June 17, 1961 in Mayville. Even following 60 years of wedded bliss, few today attempt such bold cross-pollination. However, their results were 2 wonderfully talented, brave, strong, and witty children, Beth Margaret and Mark Kristofer. Marvin and Genelle lived on the Blomquist Family Farm 44 years (attaining Century Farm status in the late 1990’s) before moving into a beautiful riverside town condo in 2005!

In 2000, Genelle became profoundly deaf, and life changed. Music was off key, but hearing aids helped! A new norm! She missed singing her favorite hymns and playing piano or organ for worship at Christian Missionary & Alliance Church with good friends Mary Kyle and Bev Berghuis. She made many, many lifelong friends at church, work, in the community, and especially, through the years in their rural neighborhood. During her recent illness, these dear friends continued sharing their love through calls, notes, food, flowers and regular visits.

Genelle was consumed by wanderlust. By 1997 they completed travel to all 50 states. Then added to their list every Canadian province, 18 countries over 5 continents, and 25 National Parks!

Family legacy includes 2 children - Beth (Doug) and Mark (Kelly), 7 grandchildren - Ben (Rachel), Matt (Bethany), Rachel (Jackson), Sam (Larissa), Andrew, Jack and Matt, and, 11 great grands - Vivienne, Jocelyn, Noah, Elsie, Levi, Adeline, Will, Tate, Baby 11, Amelia, and Nora. Preceding her in death are mom Nora, daddy George, brothers Gary and George, a brother-in-law Donald Foss, husband Marvin, and 6 of Marvin’s siblings.

As she drew near heaven, her greatest longings were meeting Jesus face to face, gathering with those who have gone before, and impressing upon your heart an introduction to her sweet Savior, Jesus Christ.

A celebration of Genelle’s life will be held Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 11 AM at Milaca Alliance Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Private family burial will be at Borgholm Cemetery near Bock.

If wishing to establish a memorial in honor of Genelle, please consider:

Milaca Alliance Church - Home Church, 1961-present   12543 MN-23, Milaca, MN 56353

Hillcrest Academy - Attended 1953-1955    610 Hillcrest Dr, Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Lake Geneva Christian Center - Spiritual Birthplace, 1943    605 Birch Ave, Alexandria, MN 56308