John Lindquist

John Lindquist, 96, passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, in Fargo, ND. He was born April 22, 1927, to Arthur and Ruth Lindquist, and spent his childhood in Minneapolis, MN.

After graduating from Washburn High School in Minneapolis, MN, in 1945, John entered the U.S. Navy and served as an Electronic Technician for one year until the end of World War II. Upon his return to Minnesota, John attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, obtaining a BA degree in Industrial Administration. Upon graduation, he began working for Honeywell in Minneapolis, followed by Telex, Inc., and ultimately to Control Data Corporation.

On July 10, 1954, he married the love of his life, Betty Hertz, in St. Cloud, MN. John and Betty made their home in Bloomington, MN, where they raised three children—Robert, Susan, and Jean. In 1971, the family moved to the Park Rapids area of northern Minnesota, where both John and Betty were employed by the Park Rapids school district. Together, they also managed King’s Cottages Resort in Park Rapids. In addition, John worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a rural mail carrier.

In 1989, John and Betty retired to Loon Lake south of Nevis, MN, where they enjoyed the next 25 years, surrounded by the woods and wonderful neighbors. Their home is fondly remembered as “Loon Lake Lodge,” a gathering place for their family and friends. The years that the two of them spent at their lake home were what John called some of the best years of his life. His time was often occupied as an outdoorsman: fishing, chopping wood, building campfires, watching wildlife, and sharing his life with his grandchildren. He also loved to read, write, and practice wood crafting. They frequently devoted time to their children and grandchildren by visiting them in other parts of the Midwest and Arizona, supporting them in their interests, attending their concerts, and engaging in routine quality time.

Wherever he lived, John was active in his local church. His children grew up able to attend Sunday School and even Vacation Bible School in the summers. While operating King’s Cottages in Park Rapids, he would welcome traveling gospel music groups to stay the night. During John’s retirement years at Loon Lake, he helped establish Peace Lutheran Church in Nevis, MN.

Due to Betty’s declining health, they moved to Fargo in 2014, to be closer to family. John remained at One Oak Place in Fargo after Betty’s passing in 2019. His final days were spent continuing friendships through writing and phone calls and enjoying time with his family and friends. John will be remembered for his generous and caring spirit.

John is survived by his children Robert (Rebecca) Lindquist, Duluth, MN; Susan (Jeffery) Mueller, Fargo; Jean (Warren) Olfert, West Fargo; sister Betty (Jack) Dallman, MN; sister Marilyn Kirkness, ID; grandchildren Sarah (Richard) Prigge, Jenna Mueller, Dan (Amanda) Lindquist, Katharine Lindquist, John (Delinda) Mueller, and David (Maggie) Mueller; great-grandchildren Will, Isabel, Luke, Jake, Claire, Joscelyn, Shepard, and Serena.

 John was preceded in death by wife Betty Lindquist, brother Robert (Vonnie) Lindquist, granddaughter Lisa Johnson, grandson Ben (Jenna) Mueller.          

Memorial Service:   Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 2 pm in Atonement Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND.

Burial:  Friday, October 6, 2023, at 11 am in Fargo National Cemetery, rural Harwood, ND, with Military Honors provided by US Navy Funeral Honor Guard and Fargo Memorial Honor Guard.

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