Ishpeming- Carol Bluekamp, 88, of Ishpeming was called home by her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020 at UP Health Systems Bell in Ishpeming after losing her battle with Covid-19.

Carol was born on September 26, 1932 in Holland, Michigan to the late Henry and Charlotte (Koning) Vander Hill.  Carol graduated from Holland High School in 1949 and married Paul Bluekamp on September 26, 1953.  They moved to the UP shortly thereafter where they would spend the next 65 years together.

Carol enjoyed reading, playing bridge with her friends, and wintering in Arizona where I think she also enjoyed telling her children about the wonderful weather during the depths of the UP winter, but her greatest joy, by far, came from taking care of her family.

Carol was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.   Carol and Paul could always be found in the bleachers or auditorium at any activities the "kids" were involved in.  Carol carried her involvement a step further by serving as a den mother for the Ishpeming branch of the Cub Scouts and as the Secretary for the Ishpeming Little League.  Also, she and Paul were fundamental in the establishment and running of the Ishpeming Youth Center where she acquired another group of "kids" who affectionately called her Ma Blue. However, her greatest support didn't come from the bleachers but from her heart and in her home where there was always something to eat, a few dollars for spending money, and more importantly a warm smile to greet you, an understanding ear to listen to you and a loving shoulder to lean on.  It is hard to imagine that anyone created a more affectionate and safe home.  It was this selflessness and her sunny disposition that brought comfort to all who knew her.  Carol's service also extended beyond her family.  She was a member of the League of Women Voters where she provided rides to the polls for those who didn't have transportation and volunteered at the gift shop at Bell Memorial. She also made pasties at the Wesley United Methodist Church where she was a long time member.

Carol is survived by her husband of 67 years Paul; five children, Paula (Bill) Hemmila of Negaunee, Sheila Smith of Hartland, Doug Bluekamp of Iron Mountain, Rhonda (Michael) Bertucci of Ishpeming, and Donald (Denise) Bluekamp of Negaunee: seven grandchildren, Josh and Jodi Hemmila, Kendal (Daniel Durand) Smith, Hannah (Shelby), Kinsie (Barry Hopper) and Kayla Bertucci, and Nathan Bluekamp; two great-grandchildren, Mya and Zander Hemmila, and a soon to be born baby of Kinsie and Barry; one sister, Jayne (Allen) Bosch of Jenison, a sister in law Faith Lenger, and a sister in law Sally (Phil) Cappello of Holland; a brother in law Brian (Kathy) Bluekamp of Grand Rapids; and special friends Claire and Elaine  Zwiep.

In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by three brothers, Ron, Fred, and Chuck Vander Hill; a son-in-law Bert Beurmann (Sheila); and a daughter-in-law Rosalie (Doug) Bluekamp.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the Covid Unit at Bell and in particular a special nurse named Sam.

Due to  Covid-19 restrictions, a private ceremony will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to make a donation can do so on Carol's behalf to the Wesley United Methodist Church.

Condolences can be left at bjorkandzhulkie.com