Edwin John Tanquist, Jr., MD

EDWIN JOHN TANQUIST, JR., MD., was born Feb. 5, 1932 in Alexandria, third child of Edwin J. Tanquist, Sr., MD. and Olive C (Johnson) Tanquist. Ed graduated from Alexandria High School in 1950. He played Trumpet in the band and orchestra for eight years. He also played football, basketball and golf during his junior and senior year of high school, and was part of the basketball team that went to the State Tournament in 1950. After High School Ed attended the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, from 1950 until graduation from University of Minneosta Medical School in 1957. Ed and Bonnie (Swensen) Tanquist were married Aug. 30, 1956 in the Congregational Church, in Billings, MT. At the time Ed was serving three months as a noncommissioned officer in the Coast Guard at Crow Agency Hospital located in SE Montana where the Crow and Cheyenne Indians were served. They finished their respective colleges at the University of Minnesota. Their senior year they had quarters at the Anoka State Hospital, where Ed was Admitting Physician for newly arrived patients during nights and weekends, and finished medical school by day. Bonnie continued her course of study including practice teaching at various city schools. Ed and his bride, Bonnie, moved to Panama in 1957 where he completed his residency in General Surgery and Internal Medicine. Their sons John and Bruce were born in the Canal Zone before returning to the States in 1960. Ed then joined his father in Alexandria in general practice before welcoming their daughter, Faye, to the family whom was born in Alexandria in 1961. In the 1960s Ed learned to fly aircraft adding several aviation certificates. He was a certified private, commercial and instrument instructor, for both ground and flight school. He had a single engine, twin engine, float and ski plane rating. In 1967 he was awarded Mr. Aviation for the State of Minnesota. During his years of flying Ed also recorded an astounding 492 parachute and sky dives. Additionally, Ed and Bonnie were certified scuba divers. They also loved playing golf, fishing, boating, water and snow skiing, and traveling by air and land. In 2001, at the age of 69, Ed shot his age twice in golf, a remarkable accomplishment. Ed and Bonnie have been life-long members of the Congregational Church. Ed was a choir member from grade school through high school. Ed was involved with Junior and Senior Pilgrim Fellowship. Ed attained the rank of Eagle Scout and became a boy scout leader. On Sunday, July 18, 2010, Ed was confirmed in St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Garfield. He sang in St. Luke’s choir and especially enjoyed the Men’s Prayer Group on Wednesdays. His membership at St Luke’s and association with Pastors, group studies and Men’s prayer group resulted in a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ and Christianity. He was also a member of the Golden K. Ed is survived by his wife of 66 years, Bonnie. His three children, John Tanquist, Bruce (Sheila) Tanquist and Faye (Mark) Westwood; two grandchildren Joe (Merit) Tanquist and Justin Tanquist; two great-grandchildren, Jaxson and Raelyn Tanquist. Sister-in-law Betty Swen-sen, nieces and nephews. He enjoyed spending time with many nieces, nephews and wonderful life-long friends whom he cherished. Preceded in death by his parents; Sister Joyce (Quentin) Dunnum, Sister Audrey (Robert) Kloehn, brother-in-law Tom Swensen, daughter-in-law Colleen Frey-Tanquist, Grandson Connor Westwood, Niece Bonnie Dunnum, Nephew Robert Kloehn. In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice or to Douglas County Hospice. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Thursday, Sept. 29 one hour prior to services at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Garfield with the Memorial Service at 11 a.m. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home visit www.anderson   funeral.net