Dr. Bard O. Bloom

Dr. Bard Bloom OD of Hastings, MI passed away suddenly on Sunday, May 12th. Bard was born on Jan 20, 1940, in Rochester, Pennsylvania.

Bard graduated from Beaver High School in Western Pennsylvania. He then attended Muskingum Presbyterian College in Ohio, and at that time he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy, and then went to University of Pittsburgh for pre-med and then to Optometry School at The Ohio State University, graduating in 1965.  Along the way, Bard was a US Army Reservist for 6 years.

Bard and Nancy were married on April 16, 1960, recently celebrating 64 years of marriage. They then moved to Hastings to start his optometry career in June 1965. Bard retired after 40 successful years of practice in December of 2005. It was the joy of Bard's life when their son Scott joined him in practice in 1991 and eventually took over, allowing Bard to retire with Nancy.

Bard enjoyed sailing (he even built a 36 ft sailboat in their backyard) and farming, but his real loves were woodworking and watchmaking. Many charities knew of Bard's work and it was his real joy to share his amazing talents.

Bard was known for his tireless work and contributions to many organizations throughout his life; he was a longtime member of the Rotary (1967-2024) and fulfilled many roles serving at the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings alongside Nancy.

He is survived by wife Nancy Bloom; Sons Jeff Bloom, Scott and (Darla) Bloom; grandchildren Amanda Bloom, Lauren Bloom, Ethan (Kara) Sutton, and Hayden Sutton; Sister Bun (Jerry) Madden; Sister in Laws Betty Jean and Macky.

Bard was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Ethel Bloom, mother-in-law Yvonne Gardner, sister-in-law Vonnie Strother, and brothers-in-law Ed, Walter, and Dan.

Services at the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings, 405 N. M-37, Hastings, MI 49058, Pastor Nick Marlatt officiating, on Saturday, May 18, 2024, Visitation with the family 11:00-12:00 Noon, Funeral Services 12:00-1:00 PM luncheon immediately following service. Interment at Riverside Cemetery, Hastings Michigan. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Hastings Public Library, https://www.hastingspubliclibrary.org/support-us/ways-to-give-1 or St. Jude's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate . Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.