Bloch co-founded H&R Block, Inc., an American tax preparation company, with his brothers and today the company operates approximately 12,000 retail offices worldwide. He was also a veteran, serving with distinction in World War II as first Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He was decorated with an Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and a Presidential Unit Citation.
In 1951, Bloch married the love of his life Marion Helzberg, and together the two raised four children: Robert L., Thomas M., Mary Jo and Elizabeth Ann.
A proud Missouri-Kansas City alum, Bloch was a generous donor to the university and in 1952 founded the Henry W. Bloch School of Management (formerly known as Henry W. Bloch School of Business and Public Administration). An avid art collector with his wife, Marion, the couple owned two dozen paintings including works by Van Gogh, Matisse and Monet, a passion they gave back to the university through donations to its art program.
Brother Bloch's many honors include:
- Supporter of Entrepreneurship: Ernst & Young, Inc. Magazine/Merrill Lynch Gillis Spirit Award (1993)
- Honoree, Sales and Marketing Executives International Academy of Achievement, State of Missouri Academy of Squires (1989)
- Honorary Member, Golden Key National Honor Society, UMKC (1989)
- Philanthropist of the Year, Greater Kansas City Council on Corporate Philanthropy, Mainstreeter of the Decade (1988)
- Entrepreneur of the Year, UMKC (1986)
- Lester A. Milgram Humanitarian Award (1983)
- Harry S. Truman Good Neighbor Award Foundation
- International Franchise Association Hall of Fame Award (1983)
- Distinguished Missourian Award, National Conference of Christians and Jews (1982)
Bloch also maintained close ties with the Nu Xi Chapter (pictured with him below), and recently attended a Sunday brunch with the group, sharing advice and stories on his successful career.
Read more about Bloch in the 1997 DELTASIG magazine.
