Andrew Donald Blodgett

Andrew Donald Blodgett of Schoolcraft passed Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at the age of 81. Andrew was born on October 17, 1938 in Kalamazoo. He was the middle son of Leroy and Sadie (Cook) Blodgett. On September 7, 1956 he married Joyce Ryskamp. They were married for 33 years and had six children together. Andrew was very well known in Schoolcraft. He was part of the community from owning a local business, to serving the community on the Village Council, to raising all six of his children there. Having a home across the street from the high school made their home the “go to” spot for many of the kids in town after school and sporting events. He loved Schoolcraft and made it his home his entire life. He worked in the corporate world for Sears Roebuck and Company until he decided to follow his passion of working with plants. He opened the first Blodgett family business, Green Acres, in 1967, located on US 131 in Schoolcraft. He loved the nursey business and working with trees, flowers and shrubs. He later married Alicia Chavez Lopez on December 9, 2000. He and Alicia traveled back and forth from Schoolcraft to Alicia’s hometown of Los Reyes, Mexico. This became the headquarters for dispersing his goods to the indigenous people of Mexico. It became the focus of his life and one of his most acclaimed accomplishments in creating his 501(c) 3, The Mission to the Poor that serves the poorest of poor in the inner regions of Mexico. This Mission served as a personal mission in life to give back. Andrew was extremely caring and during his trips to Mexico he strived to embody the Servant’s Heart. During his travels he dispersed thousands of shoes, clothing, and food to people that had no means to support themselves. The smiles on the children’s faces gave Andy much purpose. He had an unmatched energy and zest for life and will forever be remembered for his generosity, determination and positive attitude. Andy is survived by his wife of 19 years, Alicia; five children: Terry W. (Cindy) Blodgett; Robin E. (Avery) Delaney; Kevin S. Blodgett; Pamela A. (Jerome Jonckheere) Blodgett; Anthony L. (Kristy) Blodgett; 25 grandchildren 15 great grandchildren ; and his first wife of 33 years, Joyce. He is also survived by his two brothers, Bud Blodgett and Dwight Blodgett; half siblings: David and Caroline. He is preceded in death by his son Andrew G. Blodgett in 2010; granddaughter, Paige; half siblings: Bertha and Dennis; Stepmother Jean. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February, 18th at 11am at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1150 West Centre, Portage, MI. The family will greet friends at the church one hour prior to the service beginning at 10am. A rosary will begin at 10:45am at the church. Andrew will later be buried in Alicia’s hometown in Mexico. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to: Mission to the Poor or JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and sent to: Pam Blodgett, 220 Lyon St., NW – Suite 540, Grand Rapids MI 49503 Please visit Andrew’s webpage at www.avinkcremation.com where you can read his obituary, sign the guestbook, and leave a memory for the family. The family is being served by the Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 South Grand, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 269-679-5622.