LaVaughn Alquist

LaVaughn F. Alquist, 87, of Iron Mountain, passed away peacefully Thurs. July 18, 2013 with her devoted husband, Ward, and her family by her side, at Maryhill Manor in Niagara. She was born on Sept. 1, 1925 in Sioux Falls, SD, the daughter of the late Gail and Fern (Wyland) Markell. She is a graduate of Iron Mountain High School and furthered her education at The Patricia Stevens Finishing School in Chicago and The Chicago School of Interior Design. LaVaughn was employed as a secretary at the Great Lakes Naval Station in Waukegan, IL. In 1948, LaVaughn returned to Iron Mountain and met and married her loving husband Ward Alquist on Sept. 25, 1948 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Iron Mountain. Together they had three children, Rand, Brian, and Alison. She was a member of the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Women's Club, where she directed and assisted at numerous style shows. She conducted lectures and seminars at local schools and organizations. LaVaughn had a true appreciation for glamour and etiquette, and truly enjoyed sharing her vast knowledge with others. She opened Studio 317, her very own modeling and charm school. LaVaughn was a member of the Dickinson County Community Theater, where she excelled at set design. She had a special gift of creating beautiful living spaces as she was a true artist of design. She was a lifelong member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Iron Mountain. LaVaughn cherished nothing more than spending time with her family and all those who knew her are asked to honor her by holding their loves ones close. LaVaughn leaves behind her loving husband, Ward, her devoted daughter Alison (Tom) Rae, her son Rand (Lori) Alquist, daughter-in-law Julie Alquist , sister Lona (Phil) Crispigna, brother Robert (Ann) Markell, all of Iron Mountain, sisters-in-law Sandy Markell of California and Dorothy Johnson of Detroit, grandchildren Joanna (Jon) Blomberg, Elisabeth Alquist, Christen Alquist, Joshua Alquist, Jared Alquist, J. Miles Alquist, Moriah Alquist, Daniel Alquist, and Ryan Alquist, two step grandchildren Nick and Garrett, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son Dr. Brian Alquist, her daughter-in-law Laurie Mayer Alquist, her brother Leighton Markell, her brother-in-law Lloyd Johnson, and mother and father-in-law Lillie and Axel Alquist. Visitation will be Mon. from 11am-1pm at Trinity United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be at 1pm at the church. Rev. Paul Mallory will officate. Burial Cemetery Park. Condolences to the family of LaVaughn F. Alquist can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

LaVaughn Alquist

September 1, 1925 - July 18, 2013