I AM 742: Bob Blommer

If there is something that needs to be done, fixed or can be seen as a potential hazard, Bob Blommer is sure to be the one who will take care of it.

After working at DeZurik for 31 years, Blommer retired in the summer of 2018. However, it wasn’t long before he wanted to be working at St. Cloud Area School District. He accepted a position in nutritional services and has won the hearts of his co-workers.

“I hired Bob as a food service sub at the end of September and his infectious personality made an immediate impact in our schools,” says nutritional services supervisor Joe Happe.

Blommer says, “Safety is number one. It’s really important for everyone to watch out for others.”

While working at Apollo High School, Blommer noticed one of the cooks trip on a wheel of the oven.  He jumped into action to come up with a solution to this hazard. He came up with an idea to take an old parking cone and modify it to cover the wheel, eliminating the possibility of anyone else tripping.

“Bob told his idea to head cook Kate Reno who then shared the idea with Mike Lease [custodian at Apollo],” explains Happe. “Mike immediately ran with the idea and the next morning when the staff came in, the project was complete. Now that is teamwork!”

Blommer is proud to be working in District 742. He is a 1972 Apollo graduate himself. To this day, he carries his Apollo student ID in his wallet. He enjoys walking the halls at Apollo, especially if he gets the chance to see his grandkids even his granddaughter, Lariah Washington (Apollo basketball record breaker for the most points scored).

“It’s nice going to work and feel welcomed,” says Blommer. “They are so understanding and good to work with. It’s like a team effort.”

Blommer will continue to work with his team and students with a watchful eye for safety.

“Although I have only been in this district for a short time,” says Happe, “this is an example of an everyday hero, and someone who makes this district great!”

I AM a fixer. I AM an Apollo alum. I AM 742.