David James Bloom, 44, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at home Sunday, March 8, 2026.
David was born December 3, 1981, in Galesburg, the son of David Gary and Pamela Sue (Kinsman) Bloom. David graduated from Galesburg High School in 2000, where he was named to the Western Big 6 All-Conference Honorable Mention his senior year in football. David was also an accomplished track athlete in high school.
David is survived by his parents, Pamela and David Bloom of Galesburg; brother, Scott (Anne) Bloom of Rockford, Illinois; uncles Frank Bloom of Texas and Kenton P. (Pam) Bowles of Alpha, Illinois; aunt Candy Bowles of Woodhull, Illinois; niece Alyssa of Galesburg; and several cousins. David was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Nola Bloom and Charles and Ruth Lacanski.
David was raised and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Galesburg. In recent years, David became a member of Radiant Church in Galesburg. Following high school he moved to Dubuque, Iowa, where he met his wife, Emily Gross. They later divorced. David went on to attend and graduate from Hawkeye Community College, earning his AAS in CNC Technology. He worked for several years as a CNC machinist for GMT Corporation in Waverly, Iowa.
David enjoyed being with family and friends and his Boston Terrier dogs Daisy and Dan when he moved back to Galesburg. He loved visiting with his neighbor friend Bob and his cat, Buttercup. He enjoyed watching movies, reading, and listening to music — especially rock-n-roll — and in earlier years, riding his Harley Davidson. He was a very loving man and would help anyone in need. He recently met the love of his life, Nickie Murphy, and had worked as a crossing guard for District 205 near Silas Willard. He loved helping keep children safe from the busy intersection.
We only pass through this life a short while, till we arrive to our permanent home in Heaven. We know David is safe in the arms of Jesus and free from pain. He will be missed, but we will all have a great reunion one day.
Cremation will be accorded. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Radiant Worship Center, 521 W. Losey St., Galesburg. Pastor Mark Dexter will officiate. Refreshments will follow the service at the church. Private family burial will be at a later date at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Radiant Worship Center.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at watsonthomas.com.
