David G. Lindquist

DULUTH, Minn. - David G. Lindquist, 84, of Sunset Road in Ironwood Township, Mich., passed away Monday, May 19, 2014, at Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, from complications following a recent surgery.

He was born Dec. 17, 1929, in Ironwood, son of the late Albin and Mayme (Kangas) Lindquist. He attended Ironwood schools and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1948. David served in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he was stationed on the Island of Guam and COCOS Island Loran Station, from 1948 until 1952. He was a member of Ironwood American Legion Post 5 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3673 in Bessemer, Mich.

David did his post secondary education at Gogebic Community College and then attended University of Wisconsin-Superior, where he earned his bachelor's degree. He did graduate studies at Michigan State University and UW-Superior, where he earned his master's degree.

He began his professional career in 1957, when he accepted a teaching position at Ewen High School in Ewen, Mich. Then, in 1962, David accepted a position at A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer before being hired in 1963 as Registrar at Gogebic Community College. He then was appointed as the first Dean of Students at Gogebic Community College in 1968, a position he held until his retirement in 1985.

On May 10, 1985, the Board of Trustees of Gogebic Community College awarded David with the title of Dean Emeritus in recognition of his service to Gogebic Community College and to higher education. The new GCC student center was named after him in a dedication ceremony in 1993. David was also a member of the Gogebic Community College Foundation, serving for a time as executive secretary and chairman of several committees, and was honored as the Foundation's 2009 Alumnus of the Year and as Distinguished Dean and Administrator. 

David married the former Audrey Harvat in June of 1956, at Salem Lutheran Church in Ironwood. She preceded him in death in 2010.

Surviving are his sons, David M. (Julie), of Monticello, Minn., and Scott L. (Lisa), of Stillwater, Minn .; and four grandchildren, Melissa, Kristina, Connor and Collin. Also surviving are sisters- and brothers-in-law, Marie Lindquist, Menomonee, Wis., John Brottlund, Ironwood, Bob Secor, Hurley, Wis., and Carol and Wilfred West, Pinellas Park, Fla .; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and wife, David was preceded in death by his brother, Paul; and sisters, Norma, Mavis and Vivian.

Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place.

Memorial services will be held Friday, June 6, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 9:30 a.m., at Salem Lutheran Church in Ironwood, with the Rev. Kurt Kovanen officiating.

Full military rites will be accorded at the church under the auspices of the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard.

Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Private committal and interment will be in Sunset Acres Cemetery, Ironwood Township.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salem Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 333 E. Aurora St., Ironwood, MI 49938, or the Gogebic Community College Foundation, E4946 Jackson Road, Ironwood, MI 49938.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood, where condolences may be offered online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.