Grace J. Farnquist age 82 of Prior Lake, MN.
Born on Monday, May 13, 1929, on the family farm in Litchfield, MN, John R and Alice (Sand) Johnson proudly announced the birth of their daughter, Grace Jeanette. She was the fifth of six children. Grace’s childhood years were spent attending a one room country school house just outside of Litchfield, with graduating from Litchfield High School.
Working at the area hotel as a waitress, Grace met the love of her life, Donald Farnquist. It was love at first sight. They were married on January 8, 1949 in Litchfield, MN. Grace and Donald were blessed with five children, Jeanne, Carol, Barbara, Mavonne and Lane.
In June of 1952, Grace and Donald moved to Savage. For most of her working years were spent cashier at a local grocery store and later on in life at the golf courses of Lone Pine and Stonebrooke, both in Shakopee. She was also a member of the Savage V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary. After Donald retired, they treasured over ten years spent living 6 months out of the year in Harlingen, Texas. They enjoyed golfing and spending time with friends. Donald died in February of 1987.
In 2004, Grace moved to Lake Front Plaza, where she was one of the founders of the Red Hat Society. Moving from Savage to Prior Lake, she was always proud to say, she moved south! In her free time, Grace loved fishing, bowling and tending to her flower and vegetable gardens. She enjoyed crocheting and needle point too. But Grace was best known for her gourmet cooking. No one could make things like Grace did!
Throughout her life, family and faith have been Grace’s passions. In her earlier years, she raised her children, as well as a den mother for scouts. As a grandma, Grace loved to play games and cards with her grandchildren and make apple pies and bread for them. A faithful servant of God, Grace was one of the founding members of St. James Church, where she played the organ and taught Sunday school.
A determined and strong willed woman, Grace was a gracious, loving and a wonderful caregiver. A resident of Prior Lake, Grace, age 82, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family the evening hours of Thursday, May 3, 2012 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN.
Forever loved, Grace will be deeply missed by her children, Carol Corson of Austin, Texas, Barbara Freeman of Montivideo, Mavonne Richardson of Savage, Lane (Bev) Farnquist of New Prague; son-in law, David Dean, of Clara City; grandchildren, Robyn Alonzo, Brenda Dean, Tracie Jensen, Jeffrey Geren, James (Regina) Geren, Darcy (Bryce Madison) Burkleo, Wendy (Ben) Gonzalez, David Richardson, Corena Mitchell, LeRoy Richardson, Jennifer (Timothy) Waller, Michael (Sarah) Farnquist; great-grandchildren, Jacob Dean, Amanda VanMevern, Dilon, Shelby and Danny Dean, Aubrey and Amiah Mitchell, Jeffrey and Natalie Green, Cayla Geren, John Jr. Nicholas and Jenna Burkleo, Alexendr, Christopher and Emily Gonzalez, Madison Waller, Alex Mitchell, Tiffany and Lucianna Farnquist; great-great grandchildren, Adrianna and Autumn Dean, Blake and Zak VanMevern; sister, Hazel Wittenberg of Litchfield; sister-in-law, Doris Johnson of Wilmar; many other loving relatives and friends.
Grace is preceded in death by her husband, Donald; daughter, Jeanne Dean; grandchildren, Marnie Dean, Mason Farnquist; son-in-law, Larry Corson; parents, John and Alice; brothers, Ralph (Irene) Johnson, Andrew Johnson, Donald (Elsie) Johnson; sister, Dorothy (Roy) Nelson. Urn bearers for Grace will be her grandsons, Jeffrey Geren, James Geren, David Richardson, and Michael Farnquist and in spirit will be Mason Farnquist.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 9 from 4-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and one hour prior to the service at church. The Celebration of Life Service will be on Thursday, May 10 at 11 a.m., at St. James Lutheran Church 3650 Williams Drive, Burnsville, MN. The Reverend Walt Lichtenberger will officiate. Grace will be laid to rest next to her husband at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.
The Farnquist family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Prior Lake Chapel.
