Barbara Ann Alquist

Barbara A. Alquist, a long-time resident of Kingsford, passed away March 14 at Manorcare in that city. Born on July 1, 1934 in Michigamme, she was the daughter of the late Glenn and Martha (Anderson) Johnson. Except for three-and-a-half years of early childhood in Detroit, “Barb” grew up in Champion and graduated from high school there in 1952. While working as a waitress at a Champion restaurant, she met Philip Alquist of Quinnesec, an employee of Wisconsin-Michigan Power Company. Upon marrying on June 27, 1953, Barb and Phil settled in Kingsford. Years later Barb returned to school, rooming with her daughter Lisa at Northern Michigan University, from which Barb graduated Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude, in 1984. Over the years her principal occupation was that of mother and homemaker. Before and during the early years of marriage, however, she worked at various jobs: at Western Union in Detroit and at Caring House and Colenso’s department store in Iron Mountain. A member of Trinity United Methodist Church of Iron Mountain, and of its “Martha Circle,” Barb participated in many church activities. Her special contribution was creating artistic displays to highlight church functions. At home her artistic bent expressed itself most conspicuously in elaborate holiday decorations—at Easter, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Hallowe’en…. From its beginning Barb supported the Pine Mountain Music Festival. While raising her family she was a leader for Blue Birds, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts. Active in the Parent-Teachers Organization of her children’s schools, she served in various offices. Barb loved the water and water sports. An extraordinary long-distance swimmer, she swam miles of the Menominee River and for hours at a time on area lakes. Her favorite was pristine Ottawa Lake in Iron County, where often loons kept her company as fellow swimmers. She also enjoyed kayaking and camping with her family. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Philip in 2001; two brothers, David and Peter Johnson, and a sister, Patricia Rook She is survived by her very special friend, Ronald Koelbl of Aurora; children, Roxanne (Steve Hudson) Freeman of Kingsford; Terry (Linda) Alquist of Merriman; Lisa (Michael) Hakes of West Bend, WI; brothers, Glenn Johnson of Waterford, WI; and Greg (Scarlett) Johnson of Ishpeming; a brother in law, John (Pat) Alquist of Quinnesec; a sister in law Joanne Johnson; grandchildren, Bryon (Erika) Freeman, Kevin Freeman, Russ Dumais, Erik, Kyle and Krystal Hakes; and five great grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 20, from 2:00 to 5:00pm at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain. The funeral will take place at Trinity United Methodist Church on Monday, March 21 at 11:00 am, with the Reverend Geri Hamlen officiating. Burial will follow in the afternoon at Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Trinity United Methodist Church, 808 Carpenter Ave. Iron Mountain. MI 49801 or the Pine Mountain Music Festival, P.O. Box 406, Hancock, MI 49930 Condolences may be expressed to the family of Barbara Alquist online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Barbara Ann Alquist

July 1, 1934 - March 14, 2016