John “Fred” Hemquist, age 76, of Alexandria passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at his home.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria with Pastor Mitch Haaby officiating. Full military honors will be accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard, and the Veteran’s Memorial Honor Guard. Interment will take place at the Calvary Cemetery in Wahpeton, North Dakota at a later date.

A visitation will take one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

John Frederick was born on January 27, 1950, to Carroll and Arlene (Moske) Hemquist in Parkers Prairie. Following a family tradition, John soon came to be known by his nickname, “Fred,” the name most people would know him by throughout his life. He attended Parkers Prairie schools and graduated in 1968. Following graduation, Fred enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as an electronics technician and was stationed in Meridian, Mississippi. After his honorable discharge in 1973, he returned home and continued his education at Fergus Falls Community College, earning an associate degree in business. He later attended St. Cloud State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history. Fred moved to the Twin Cities, where he worked for Rock-Tenn Company (Waldorf) as a pressman for nearly 20 years. He married Cathy Chezik on August 28, 1987, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in North St. Paul. Later, he worked in shipping at Accurate Co. Sales in New Brighton. In June 2005, Fred and Cathy moved to Alexandria, where he worked for Donnelly Manufacturing (Beacon Engineering), until his retirement. Fred enjoyed golfing and following Minnesota sports, especially the Minnesota Vikings. A devoted fan, he held season tickets for many years. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends, traditions that went back to his younger years. At home, his cats were a constant part of his life and were very much like family to him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother Mark; nephews, Rick Klimek and Michael Wendt; nieces, Kimberly Klimek and Brieann Wendt; many aunts, uncles, and other relatives.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Cathy; siblings, Maxine “Mickey” (Dennis “Denny”) Klimek, LeRoy “Swede” (Nora) Hemquist, Harris “Hank” (Sheri) Hemquist, and Mary (Steve) Wendt; and many nieces, nephew, and other relatives.