Ernest Dahlquist
Ernest Dahlquist
Ernest J Dahlquist passed peacefully from this life on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at his home in Fayette. He was born in Sac County on June 28, 1917 to Ernest L. and Anna (Louder) Dahlquist. After his mother died in the flu outbreak of 1918, he was raised most of his young years by his aunt and uncle, Veva and Harry Garnatz.
He graduated from Auburn High School and Iowa State University in Veterinary Medicine. After serving in the Federal Veterinary Service in West Virginia during World War II, he came to Fayette to resume the veterinary practice of Dr. Sperry who had mentored him for a summer during his college years. Ernest (known as Ernie or ‘Doc’) continued serving this large and small animal practice until his retirement in 1984.
He loved to tell stories about some of the animal antics he observed and relished the relationships he had with his clients.
Ernie thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the natural world. He cultivated his golf game, fished in rivers and lakes, worked in his yard, boated on the Mississippi, traveled and camped in many of the National Parks as much and as often as he could find the time.
After retirement he added woodworking to his list of leisure activities and built several pieces of furniture for his home and the homes of his daughters.
Small town living suited him very well and he tried to contribute by serving as president of the local school board, as president Big Rock Country Club, as a bank board member and as a member of the Upper Iowa University Board of Trustees. He also spent a number of years as a member of the board of the Iowa Medical Veterinary Association.
Ernie loved his family dearly and will be missed by all. He also felt blessed by his many friendships over the years. His family includes his wife of 47 years, Joyce (Niewoehner), four daughters, Carole (Bill) Hess of Waleska, GA, Connie Dahlquist of Eagan, MN, Ann (Steve) Ockert of Howell, MI and Aimee (Bill) Abbett of Clayton, CA. He also cherished his seven grandchildren, Kurt Hess, Blaine Hess, Sara (Ockert) Nabors, twins Jake and Hannah Ockert, Andrew Abbett and Eric Abbett as well as five great grandchildren, Darby (Hess) Ciervo, Kyle Hess, Skyler Hess, Alex Hess and Sawyer Nabors. He also has one brother, Warren (Marie) Dahlquist of Kansas City. He was predeceased by his wife, Adeline Davis (mother of Carole and Connie), his parents, his special aunt and uncle, one brother and his wife (Robert and Ruth Dahlquist).
Celebration of Life services were held on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at 4:30 PM at First United Methodist Church in Fayette with the Rev. Julie Ahrens officiating. A visitation was held from 3:30 PM until service time.
Inurnment will be held on a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Fayette or Upper Iowa University Scholarship Fund.
S.K. Rogers Funeral Home in Fayette was in charge of arrangements. 17u17