David Ahlquist

Pastor David Lynn Ahlquist, age 68, of Grantsburg, WI, passed away Friday evening, May 1, 2015. David Ahlquist was born in Youngstown, Ohio, on August 17, 1946, a son of the late Everett P. and Dorothy E. (Stevenson) Ahlquist. He attended public schools in Youngstown, and was a 1964 graduate of Poland Seminary High School. He then attended Bethel University in Saint Paul, MN, where he met the love of his life, Carol D. Johnson. Following graduation from Bethel University in 1968, David entered Bethel Seminary, David and Carol were married on September 7, 1969, and to this marriage three children were born. David graduated from Bethel Seminary in 1971 with a Master’s Degree in Christian Education (MA/CE). He served as associate and youth pastor in two churches: Lakeside Baptist Church in Muskegon, MI, from 1971 to 1989, and Grace Church in Grantsburg from 1989 to 2012. Beyond the church, David found great fulfillment in being a grandfather, as well as serving on the Grantsburg School Board for 22 years, ministering at Burnett Medical Continuing Care Center, supporting Grantsburg schools sports and music, being involved at Bible camps, taking family road trips, and serving others whenever there was a need. David is preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Dorothy Ahlquist; and his parents-in-law, Donald and Parnell Johnson. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Carol; children: Dawn (Hokan) Bengtson, Megan Ahlquist, and Adam (Kari) Ahlquist; grandchildren: Hannah, Julia, Ryan, Zach, Nia, Blair, and Breck. Also surviving are brothers: Larry (Kay) Ahlquist, Ron (Jené) Ahlquist, and Kenny (Joanne) Ahlquist; sisters: Jennifer (Larry) Wolfe and Karen Baker; brothers-in-law, Paul (Barb) Johnson and Peter (Judy) Johnson; sister-in-law, Connie (Pastor Gary) Clark; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends of Pastor Ahlquist may call between 4:00 and 7:00 pm, Friday, May 8, 2015, at Grace Baptist Church, Grantsburg. His funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 am (visitation 10:00 to 11:00 am), Saturday, May 9th, at Grace Church with Pastor Brad Moore and Pastor Gary Clark officiating. A fellowship luncheon will be held at the church followed by interment in Wood River Baptist Cemetery, Grantsburg. Pallbearers are: Rich Olson, Paul Bergman, Roger Johnson, Don Erickson, Russ Erickson, Kyle Newby, Gary Mosley, and Dennis Anderson. In Lieu of plants or flowers, the family requests memorials be made to further the Kingdom of God. If desired, memorials can be made to the following ministries directly, or given to the family to designate to: Jesus in Haiti Ministries, Wood Lake Bible Camp, The Gideon’s International, or to Teen Challenge. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Grantsburg chapel. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com.