Eugene L. Carlquist
Eugene L. “Gene” Carlquist, age 82 of rural Belle River, died Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at his home surrounded by family.
Memorial services were Saturday, March 19, at Fahlun Lutheran Church in Nelson with Pastor Mike Carlson and Pastor Jeremy Pederson officiating. Music was provided by organist Barb Sather. Private family burial is at a later date at the church cemetery.
Eugene Lyle Carlquist was born Feb. 7 1934, at the Northwood, N.D., hospital to Carl Elmer and Gladys Evelyn (Staflin) Carlquist. He was baptized by Rev. Njaa from West Union Lutheran Church of Northwood, N.D., and confirmed by Rev. C.E. Holmer at Fahlun Lutheran Church of Nelson. He attended various rural one-room school houses through 8th grade and graduated from Central High School of Alexandria in 1952.
He married Lorraine Francis Anderson on June 28, 1958, at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in St. Paul. They became parents to Pamela Jean on May 21, 1959, and purchased their Belle River, farm in 1961, where Gene resided for his last 55 years. Lorraine passed away April 29, 1999. Gene married Inez Eileen Nelson at First Baptist Church in Alexandria on Dec. 29, 2002. She passed away on Dec. 24, 2008. On Feb. 14, 2010, Gene married Ellie Wanda Scott at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Weslaco, Texas.
In addition to farming for more than fifty years starting at age 12, Gene worked 16 years at Oman Supply Co. Automotive Jobbers in Alexandria, two years distributing sleds to five states as warehouse foreman for North Central Snowjet, four years at 3M Factory in Alexandria and three years as a substitute at the Alexandria Post Office before his 17 years as a rural mail carrier.
Gene enjoyed many clubs and activities. In addition to being a charter member of the Vintage Car Club of Alexandria and Treasurer of the Belle River Township Board, Gene was active in the Pioneer Power Tractor Club, Vikingland Good Sam’s Camping Club and Gideon Society. Gene sang in church choirs, attended plays at the AAAA Theatre and loved country music, especially Alexandria’s Pure Country Band. He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and many aunts, uncles and other dear people, including brother Dale; sister-in-law Ruth; nephew Scott; brother-in-law George Schuneman; and nephew James Schuneman in infancy.
Gene is survived by his wife, Ellie Scott, of Sauk Centre, daughter Pamela and son-in-law Eugene Engstrom of Alexandria, three grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; Shawn (Dawn) Engstrom – children Madison, Zachariah and Nathaniel; Dr. Sarah (Bill) Myron – children Benjamin and Graham; Shannon (Dr. Dustin) Little – children Caedmon, Matthew, Rosalind and Andrew; step-daughters Marianne Matzke of Green Bay, Wis.; Catherine (Steve) Casavant of Phoenix, Ariz.; Jane Campbell (fiancé Tony Rieges) of Savage; and Carolyn Border of Maplewood; step-son Gregory Scott of St. Paul; seven step-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; sister Irene (Alvin) Tvrdik of Alexandria; nephews Gary (Karen) Schuneman, Robert Schuneman, Dale (Kari) Carlquist, Jr., and Matthew Carlquist; niece-in-law Monica Murphy; and many cousins and their families.
Arrangements provided by Lind Family Funeral & Cremation Services, www.lindfamilyfh.com
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