Leonard Frank Carlquist

Leonard F. Carlquist, age 75, of Nelson, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at home under the care of Hospice of Douglas County.

A celebration of his life will take place at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria with Peter Lind as celebrant.  Full military honors accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard, American Legion Post #87, Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #936, Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter #235, and the Marine Corps League Detachment #1409.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Monday at Lind Family Funeral Home and continue one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.

Leonard Frank Carlquist was born on March 4, 1946, to Fred and Catherine (Illetschko) Carlquist in Alexandria. He grew up in Nelson and graduated from Hoffman High School in 1964.  Leonard enlisted in the United States Army where he served in Vietnam from 1964-1967. Following his honorable discharge, he attended technical college in Mason City, Iowa. Following his education, Leonard returned to Nelson and began working for Thompson Heating and Air Conditioning in Alexandria. He also worked at the Corral in Nelson where he met the love of his life, Elaine Reinke.  They were united in marriage on July 5, 1975. Together, they raised their beautiful family in Nelson where he lived until the time of his death. In his free time, Leonard loved spending time with his family and friends. He had a passion for classic cars and belonged to the Vintage Car Club. He was also a member of the VFW Post #936.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Steve Johnson and Mike Terpstra.

Leonard is survived by his wife of 46 years, Elaine; two daughters, Ann (Derek) Tesch of Alexandria and Amy (Scott) Ristau of Gulfport, Mississippi; sister, Carolyn Carlquist of Atlanta, Georgia; seven grandchildren, Timothy (Cathy), Catherine (Josh), Hannah (Luis), James, April, Madison and Kelsi; two great-grandchildren, Lacey and Zeppelin; with one additional due in four months; sisters-in-law, Carin (Bill) Chaney, Bev (Dave) Michaels, and Doreen Terpstra; brother-in-law, Lavern Reinke; five nephews; three nieces; great-grandnephew; and a great-grandniece.

Honorary urnbearer will be Brian Ley.