Paul Bluekamp

Paul was born in Holland, Michigan, on January 14, 1931, to the late Albert and Ella (Klassen) Bluekamp. Paul graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1948 and later attended Hope College and Michigan State University where he earned a degree in Geology. His college education was temporarily interrupted however when he was called to serve his country in the US Army during the Korean War. He married Carol Vander Hill on September 26, 1953.

After graduation, Paul joined Steinman Engineering and worked on the Mackinac Bridge for several years. In fact, some of the equipment he used was dedicated to and is still displayed in the museum in Lansing dedicated to the building of the bridge.

Paul then continued his career at Clevelands Cliffs Iron Company where he worked in both the Mather A and Mather B underground iron mines. During his time at CCI Paul co-authored a chapter in a textbook required by mining engineering students at Michigan Tech. He was also considered one of the country’s foremost experts in capping shafts. After retiring from CCI, Paul continued to put his engineering skills to work. Paul worked as an inspector for Engineering Consultants Incorporated and also served as the Superintendent of Public Works for the City of Ishpeming. While working, Paul also found the time to serve his community as well. Paul was a member of Big Brothers, the Interlocal Water Authority, the Marq-Tran Board, the Senior Citizen’s Planning Board, the local Kiwanis, and the Ishpeming City Council. In addition, he also coached Babe Ruth baseball and he and his wife, Carol, were instrumental in forming the Ishpeming Youth Center where they often volunteered as chaperones.

Paul enjoyed working with his hands. He was widely known and respected as an accomplished gunsmith. Customers came from around the UP and northern Wisconsin to take advantage of his expertise. In addition, Paul also was adept at woodworking and could often be found making furniture for his family. With the free time he had left, Paul could be found in the woods or on the water. As a big game hunter he harvested several bull moose, elk, antelope, and, of course, deer. He was a decorated marksman and earned a wide variety of medals and trophies in doing so. During the summer months he spent many of his vacation days and most Saturdays fishing on Lake Superior and kept his friends and family supplied with fresh lake trout. As busy a life as he had, Paul always had time for his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. He and Carol rarely missed any activities in which they were involved even if it meant traveling outside the area. Aside from his involvement in their activities, Paul was a devoted family man who was involved in all aspects of his “kids” lives. As much as Paul made his community a better place, he did infinitely more for his family. He made sure that nobody ever lacked anything they needed. If someone needed a vehicle, money for school or a trip or anything else to make their life easier he made sure that those needs were met. But more important than addressing these material needs, he met the personal needs of his family by providing guidance with his fatherly wisdom. He had a unique talent for knowing when to put his foot down and when to deal with a situation with loving and logical advice. No matter what was going on in your life, you could always count on Dad/Grandpa to be there for you. His was truly a life well lived both in terms of his accomplishments and how he conducted himself as a father and a person. Paul was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church. There too, he shared his talents serving as a lector, making pasties, and singing in the choir, as well as, sharing his deep faith with his friends and family.

Paul is survived by his 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 (Erick Riley) Bertucci, and Nathan Bluekamp; two great-grandchildren, Mya and Zander Hemmila, and a soon to be born baby of Kinsie and Barry; one sister, Sally (Phil) Cappello of Holland; a brother, Brian (Kathy) Bluekamp of Grand Rapids; a sister-in-law, Jayne (Allen) Bosch of Jenison, and special friends, Claire and Elaine Zwiep.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Carol, a son-in-law, Bert Beurmann (Sheila); and a daughter-in-law, Rosalie (Doug) Bluekamp.

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 Paul’s behalf to the Wesley United Methodist Church.

Pauls’ obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where friends and relatives may leave a note of remembrance.