Johannes, Johanna and Emma Holmquist and Family

6. Johannes Holmquist (March 18,1857 - November 15, 1925) married Johanna (Hanna) Eriksson (May 2, 1867 - February 6, 1890) in 1885 in Illinois, USA. Hanna was only seventeen years old. Johanna was born in Utterbäck, Sweden.

Map showing Utterbäck and Stockberga

See Johannes Holmquist birth record. In this record Johannes father, Trufvid, is noted as 'Gästgifv', i.e., gästgivare (inn keeper).

Johannes and Hannah's four boys were John, Edward (Ed), Wilhelm (Bill) and Waldemar (Val). Read more about them and their descendants below.

Tragically in 1890 Hannah became sick with influenza, and at the young age of twenty-two, died. Johannes hired a Swedish woman by the name of Emma to help care for his four young boys. Within a year Johannes and Emma Charlotta (Carlson, Lock) Carlsson (April 28,1855 - May 8, 1944) were married.

Johanna Elizabeth Eriksson birth record

Johannes and Hannah's four boys were John, Edward (Ed), Wilhelm (Bill) and Waldemar (Val). Read more about them and their descendants below.

Johannes and Emma had two girls both of whom died young.

The parents of Johannes, both of whom remained in Sweden, were Trufvid and Elin.

For more information on Johannes, Hannah and Emma see:

Johannes Holmquist: the Frog Maker

For information on Johannes and Johanna, and their descendants see also the André family web site in Swedish of Sten and Kjell André at:

I000 - Familjeinformation

For more information on Emma Carlsson Lock's parents, brothers and sisters and Emma's other ancestors see Lock Family.

See also:

Erickson Family

The information below excludes many of the younger descendants of Johannes and Johanna. To also see the younger descendants see:

Descendants of Johannes and Emma Holmquist: A Family of Swedish Americans

If you need a user name and password click on Password.

6.1 John Theodore Holmquist (January 3, 1886 - January 12, 1953) married Ruth Elfie Swanson (December 23, 1886 - September 24, 1948) on October 3, 1908 in Cook County, Chicago, Illinois, USA. 34

Cook County, Illinois, Marriages Index: John T. Holmquist

Cook County, Illinois, Marriages Index: Ruth Elfie Swanson

John was an inventor and the owner of a manufacturing company in Chicago. Though John invented many things he took out a patent on only one item.35 John and Ruth had seven children. For more about John and Ruth see:

John Theodore Holmquist and Ruth Elfie Swanson

For a graphic representation of John Theodore Holmquist's family tree see Descendants of John T. Holmquist and Ruth Elfie Swanson. You will need a user name and password. To get both see Password. When you open the family tree you will need to print it, and then tape the pages together - since the family tree does not fit on one sheet of paper.

Graves of John T. and Ruth Holmquist (courtesy of John Swenson in 2016) Oak Hill Cemetery, Chicago

John and Ruth Holmquist Residences

6.1.1 Alden Theodore Holmquist (August 8, 1909 - June 3, 1992) married Hazel Marie Almquist (May 3, 1910 - January 31, 1985) on June 27, 1931. Alden and Hazel had three children: Joan, Carole and Raymond.

In 1980 Alden and Hazel lived at:

20896 S Lake Drive, Walkerton, Indiana, USA, 46574-8252.

For more information about Alden and Hazel's children and their families see:

Holmquist Family: Joan Brown Branch

Holmquist Family: Carole Muncie Branch

Holmquist Family: Raymond Holmquist Branch

Alden T. Holmquist: al Security Death Index

6.1.2 Russell Waldorf Holmquist (January 27, 1912 - February 8, 1988) married Frances 37 Gertrude Peterson (March 9, 1917 - April 1952) in April of 1942. Frances died of cancer which hurt Rusty deeply.

later married Helen Johnson (March 20, 1934 - October 9, 2004) on May 9, 1953.

Rusty was a salesman at Sears, Roebuck & Co. at 1334 E. 79th Street, Chicago, and in Park Forest, Illinois. Rusty knew a Jewish fellow who really liked Rusty. His Jewish friend told Rusty that he would send him business, but if he was asked what his name was, he was to not say 'Holmquist', but rather 'Hornbaum'. Rusty followed his friend's advice and Rusty's sales at Sear and Roebuck increased.

Rusty and Frances had one child named James.

Francis Holmquist grave (courtesy of John Swenson in 2016) at Oakhill Cemetery, Chicago.

Russell in the U.S. Navy

Russell and Helen Wedding Portrait

Russell and Hellen later in life

Russell in hat

For more in formation of Jim and Mary's descendants see:

Holmquist Family: James Holmquist Branch

Helen had two sisters, Lillian (Johnson) Carver and June (Johnson) DeVries. Their mother was Svea Johnson from Eskilstuna, Sweden.

Johnson Family

6.1.3 Eleanor Ruth Holmquist (August 20, 1913 - November 23, 1994) married Milton Swenson (October 27, 1902 - December 2, 1971) on June 12, 1934. Eleanor later married Leo Carl Wisner (November 18, 1913 - January 24, 1991) on October 7, 1978. Eleanor and Milton had three children, John, Louise, and Bob.³⁸

Milton Swenson grave (courtesy of John Swenson in 2016) at Oakhill Cemetery, Chicago.

Eleanor Swenson grave (courtesy of John Swenson in 2016) at Oakhill Cemetery, Chicago.

According to Esther Holmquist, Eleanor looked a lot like her grandfather Swan John Swanson who was tall and thin.

Autobiography of Eleanor Ruth Swenson

For more in formation of these children and their descendants see:

Holmquist Family: John Swenson Branch

Holmquist Family: Louise Swenson Branch

Holmquist Family: Robert Swenson Branch

6.1.4 Lorraine Elfie Holmquist (October 25, 1914 - March 11, 1915). We do not know what Lorraine died of. Lorraine's mother, Ruth, found Lorraine had died during the night when she checked her in the morning. Lorraine had a could which possibly progressed into pneumonia which possibly resulted in her death, but the cause may have been what is been called 'crib-death'.

6.1.5 LaVerne Adele Holmquist (June 8, 1916 - August 12, 2005) married Elmer Martin Holm (January 17, 1911 - October 25, 1973). They had seven children: Adele, Eugene, Phyllis, Arlene, and Jacqueline.

The Holm family lived at 335 Ewing, Plymouth , Indiana (phone number 219-936-6514).

For more in formation of these children and their descendants see:

Descendants of Johannes and Emma Holmquist: A Family of Swedish Americans

6.1.6 Bernard John Holmquist (May 27, 1923 - April 23, 1988) married Doris Hellen Rinell (July 10, 1928 -) on January 30, 1949. Marriage Certificate. Bernard who was also known as Bud or Bernie was a marine during World War II, an experimental machinist with Bendix Corp. where he as also Vice-president of the union, an officer and chaplain in the U.S. Navy, a superintendent of a Christian grammar/high school, and a high school teacher.

Doris is a daughter and granddaughter of Swedish missionaries from China, is a registered nurse, was Head Administrator of a convalescent hospital and head nurse of another. Doris emigrated from Sweden, but was born to Swedish Baptist missionaries in China.

For more on Doris' family in China see:

Foreign Devils: a Swedish family in China: 1894 to 1951

Bernard (Bud) Holmquist was named after Bernard Anderson. He and his wife were good friends of Bud's parents. His wife Sarah had a sister by the name of Ruth (also Anderson). Ruth took Doris 'under her wing' when she first emigrated to America. This started a life-long relationship. Doris always considered Ruthie her 'American mom.'

Bernard and Doris had four children: Lennart, Meilynn, Carey and Carolynn.

Holmquist Family: Lennart Holmquist Branch

Holmquist Family: Meilynn Smith Branch

Holmquist Family: Carey Holmquist Branch

Holmquist Family: Carolynn Whitman Branch

For more information on Bud's life see:

Bernard John Holmquist: 1923-1988

To read about the family of Doris Rinell see:

Foreign Devils: A Swedish Family in China 1894 to 1951

For more information on Doris' parents and grandparents see:

Descendants of Johan Alfred and Hedvig Lovisa

For more information of Doris' life in the USA see her husband Bernard's biography Bernard John Holmquist: On the Move 1946 - 1957 and other linked web pages.

Lennart and his wife Jill and his son, Kristofer lived for several years in Switzerland. See Kristofer and Lennart's Switzerland website at:

Earthwander

6.1.7 Elaine Elfie Holmquist (-) married Carl Wayne Shumaker (July 15, 1932 - July 26, 2013) on June 14, 1952.

Elaine was a singer.

At a time when radio was the means of mass communication, and entertainment and before the introduction of television, Elaine sang, now and then, from 1938 to 1944 at Chicago radio station WMBI for 'Aunt Theresa Worman'. This was with the KYB Club. Elaine's mother, Elaine was just a girl at the time so her mom, Ruth, accompanied her to the radio station.

From 1944-48, when Elaine was in high school, Elaine sang on the radio for 15 minutes and then for 30 minutes every Saturday with the Hi C Club under the direction of Gunna Hogland. The High C Club was part of Chicago City Wide Clubs. She sang both as part of a group, at part of a trio, and once in a while sang solo.

They also sang in the famous Moody Memorial Church. People from church and of course the family would listen from home on their radios. Elaine's sister Laverne and she even got a letter from a friend of the family in South Dakota. Elaine's mom would practice with Elaine for Elaine's voice lessons. Lessons went on for 12 years, "which I'm sure was a sacrifice, money as well as her time," Elaine writes.46 Five years of lessons were taken with Geno Monaco with the Conservatory of Music in downtown Chicago. Geno Monaco was also the famous Bev Shea and Torry Johnson's teacher. Bev took lessons before Elaine and Torry afterward. It was Bev who recommended Geno Monaco to Elaine when Elaine was at Moody Bible Institute.

Carl owned and operated a machine shop called C.D.S. Machine & Manufacturing and did contract machine work in metals and plastics. He retired in July 1997. His son Don carried on with the work by combining the assets of C.D.S. Machine with his own company D.S. Machine, Inc.

Elaine worked at the Wardenburg Student Health Center, University of Boulder in Colorado, and was in charge of medical records. She retired in 1995.

When Elaine and Carl decided to get married, Elaine's father, John T. Holmquist, jokingly said to Carl "If you can't find a Swede, I guess a German will have to do."

In 1997 Carl decided to hand over the family business to his son Don.

Their other child was Lynette.

For more in formation of these children and their descendants see:

Holmquist Family: Elaine Shumaker Branch

6.2 Wilhelm (William, Bill) Holmquist (July 22, 1887 - 1975) married Lillian [Lillie] Charlotte Newman (November 22, 1894 - December 26, 1917) in 1916. Lillie died died in childbirth in 1917.

Read about Bill's life during this time in Memoirs of William Holmquist 1966.

Lillian Charlotte Holmquist grave

Lillian Charlotte Holmquist gravestone

Bill later married Esther Holm (February 1, 1897 - ). Bill and Lillian had one daughter and Bill and Esther had three children.

Holm Family

Bill and his brother Ed were identical twins.

Marian Calhoun writes about her father:

When Ed and my dad were in 8th grade, they were going to let Ed graduate, but not my dad. It made my dad so angry he slapped the teacher and left school, never to return. I think they were about 16. They never had a full year of school, because they were taken out early in the spring to go to Grovertown to plant crops, stayed until harvest, so missed a lot. Also, each boy had to turn over his entire paycheck to their mother. An interesting note: the same teacher my dad slapped years before was one of Lillian's teachers and my dad had to face her again!48

Bill and Esther met at church which was probably then called the Swedish Baptist Church of Englewood which was about the only place Christian young people could meet one another in those days. 49

At church Bill would conduct young people's meetings in Swedish. Having spoken Swedish in the home with his parents and brothers, he was rather fluent. Hearing Bill, one could not believe that he was not born in Sweden. Esther too grew up in a Swedish speaking home. Her older brother and sister only spoke Swedish when they started school. Esther and her younger brother spoke English earlier than their older siblings. When their mother spoke to them in Swedish they would answer in English. Esther, however, picked up more Swedish in Sunday School.

Bill's father, Johannes, insisted that the boys learn a trade. Bill was a printer and set type as a 'compositor' at the Herald Examiner and Chicago American. He learned his trade in St. Louis. He worked with his twin brother, Ed, at the Chicago Evening American, a newspaper.50 Ed worked maintaining and repairing the large presses. Val also learned the printing trade. John was a machinist.51 Bill and Ed were twins. Bill had many funny stories to relate about people at work confusing the two.

See Johannes' 1917 letter to his sister Christin (Kristina) in Sweden mentioning his sons and their professions:

Johannes Holmquist Letter 1917

Bill and Esther lived a number of years in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Esther celebrated her 100th birthday in Clearwater Florida with many members of the Holmquist and Holm families joining the celebration.52 This family reunion occurred January 31 through February 2. A few months later I (Lennart Holmquist) asked Esther about all the changes that had occurred in the world during her 100 years, if all these changes were 'unsettling' and what she missed from the 'old days.' Her response was:53

I believe to have electricity is such a great invention. I lived in a small village Lemont Illinois when 11 years old we had electricity put in to read. The switch on the wall was a large knob. How nice it is today with a plate. [Apparently, the plastic plate used today with a small switch in the middle.]

I can't say I miss anything. Everything was so much less than the cost today. Miss that. With electricity we later had so many convenient helpful things so our work is so much easier.

How wonderful transportation is today. When I was a child 300 miles seemed like the end of the world. did not expect to go to Iowa where my cousins lived. Years later with a car we made the trip several times.

We were more comfortable with air condition. I remember going down to the cellar to be cool. When we lived in the village of Lemont, Illinois. To have the telephone is great. When in Chicago under 10 the store had a phone that people used, later a loop phone was put in most homes. We put a nickle in it for a call. I think people worked harder but people were strong. Today I am so thankful for the medicines we have to help us and relieve pain

With good looks easy to get, and radio and T.V. to entertain us we ought not to be lonely. I am not. I am reading Billy Graham's book "Just as I am."

I don't expect to know the computer ever; it is so strange.

I am thankful to be keeping house today. It was hard years ago, to use a cook stove and wash by hand.

We had great winters riding down the hills in Lemont. A homemade tabogan holding 6 of us no cars to be in our way. The boys had a job to pull the tobogan up hill. The Holmquist boys used to pull a large tobogan to Washington or Grant Park to slide. The vacant lots were flooded where we could skate in Chicago we enjoyed skating. Hope this is O.K. what I have written.

[P.S.] changes came gradulating so not so amazed.

For other memories of Esther see:

Esther Holmquist: Memories of the Past

For information on Bill's life see:

Boyhood Days of William Holmquist. 54

See also:

Memories of her Father: Lillian Johnson and her father Wilhelm (Bill) Holmquist

For more information on the Holm family see:

Holm Family

6.2.1 Lillian Beverly Holmquist (December 26, 1917 - March 21, 2017) married Reverend Carl Raymond Johnson (September 11, 1913 - March 5, 1990) on June 18, 1938. Lillian was the only child of Bill and Lillian. Lillian's husband, Ray, was an army chaplain in the 320th Med. Bu. of the 95th Infantry Division named "The Iron Men of Metz" during World War II.]

Carl enlisted in the army on October 31, 1943 and was released from the army on December 2, 1945. A possible alternate date of death is February 26, 1990.

Lillian and Carl had four children: Howard, Karen, Warren and Ronald. For more in formation of these children and their descendants see:

Descendants of Johannes and Emma Holmquist: A Family of Swedish Americans

Lillian passed away on March 21, 2017 at 99 years of age. Lillian's daughter Karen wrote the following on that day:

Karen Smith Mother got her angel wings @ 3 today (March 21)...she's with daddy now. Thanks everyone for your comforting prayers. The love and caring you all have shown me and my family is more than I could could imagine. My pleasure and honor to have been mothers caregiver for 4 yrs. Her surviving these 99yrs was the care she was given at RCCC in Sparta, IL [Illinois]. Mom was loving everyone there, every day. My family and I thank you so much. God bless you all!

Lillian Beverly Johnson

Lillian B. Johnson Obituary

6.2.2 Grace June Holmquist (June 9, 1921 - November 12, 2014) married Cornell Ridderhoff (January 18, 1921 - September 14, 1995) on March 15, 1941. June and Cornell owned a ski lodge.

Cornell, who was known as Corky, was an expert glider, having flown his glider in Europe as well as the USA. One day Cornell went up in his glider for what was to be his last flight. Evidently he ran into wind turbulence, and before he was pulled very far by the lead plane, either cut himself loose or was cut loose. The glider crashed. Cornell lived several hours afterwards, but the injuries were too severe. Running a ski lodge by herself would have been very difficult so June sold the lodge.

In 1996 together with her sister Marian, she took a vacation to Sweden.

Grace and Cornell had two children: Warren and Mark. For more information on Warren and Mark see:

Descendants of Johannes and Emma Holmquist: A Family of Swedish Americans

June Ridderhoff (1921 - 2014) Obituary

6.2.3 Marian Adele Ruth Holmquist (----) married Reverend George Harrison Calhoun (March 25, 1921- ) on February 3, 1945.

Cook County, Illinois Marriage Index: George H. Calhoun

George pastored American Baptist churches though is now retired, and for many years has been a field counselor and fund raiser for the American Baptist Foreign Missions board. Marian was a legal secretary for 15 years and is now also retired.

Childhood

Marian attended Englewood Swedish Baptist Church with her family as all the Holmquist family did. Membership was made mostly of older Swedish immigrants who spoke Swedish and their offspring who spoke mostly English. Church services in the morning were in English and Swedish in the afternoons. Strong Swedish coffee and incredibly delicious Swedish coffee cakes were served every Sunday.

My most vivid memory is the wonderful fragrance of coffee downstairs [in church]. I think they served coffee and Widen's sweet rolls and . . . cardamom seed rolls [known as bollar in Swedish] after young people's meetings. My dad was city-wide president of the Swedish Baptist young people, so I'm sure they took us kids to every meeting. Sometimes my mom would let us have some coffee, even at 5 and 6 years old, what a treat.

The minister in those early years was scarey to me -- somber, sunken eyes, yellowish skin.

I was too young to take communion, but even then I thought it was yukky to pass that large goblet through the pews, and I watched the people drink from it, then take a napkin and wipe around the rim. I liked the choir. Email from Mariah Calhoun to Lennart Holmquist, March 30, 2011.

Marian and her sister June Ridderhoff visited Sweden in 1996. Here is an excerpt from one of Marian's letters:

In Stockholm we stayed at the Tegnerlunden Hotel about 5 blocks from the [railroad] station. It's a 3 star and OK - good breakfasts. We could leave our baggage there while we made trips overnight. We were unable to get a tour from Falun around Lake Silja, but the clerk at the Grand Hotel in Falun where we stayed contacted a tour guide in Mora and we met her there and toured for seven hours, very interesting, ending at Tallberg where we stayed overnight. It was a lovely resort town.

We had reservations to go to Gotland on the overnight ferry to Visby, and that afternoon we took a tour which included the Wasa Museum. That was one of the most interesting place we saw, but it held [even] more excitement for us. On the way into the museum, our guide told us that just in front of us were the King and Queen of Sweden. June and I immediately tried to get their picture. A secret service man pushed me back when he thought I was getting in front of the King. But inside, they had friends with them and were having their own tour, we were able to get several photos. AT one time when the Queen was turning to walk away, I had my camera ready to get a picture and the shutter jammed. She saw this and waited, smiling, until I got it unjammed and took the picture. We thought this was really gracious of her, and we were excited to see them up close. Could have touched them.56

Marian and George had two children, Debbera and Kimberly. For more information them and their children see:

Descendants of Johannes and Emma Holmquist: A Family of Swedish Americans

6.2.4 William Carl Holmquist (-----) married Marion Bigelow Saxe (----). Bill had been a counselor for 23 years at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and then retired. He retired from the Genesee Valley Presbytery in January of 1989. Prior to working at RIT he served as a pastor in a downtown church and organized a suburban church where he served for seven years. Bill earned a degree in counseling at the University of Rochester. Marion has been teaching English at Brighton High School in suburban Rochester for 21 years.

They had three children, Scott, Eric and Marta. For more information on Scott, Eric and Marta see:

Descendants of Johannes and Emma Holmquist: A Family of Swedish Americans

6.3 Edward Holmquist (July 22, 1887 - December 26, 1941) a twin of William, married Alice Evelyn Vidinghoff (August 14, 1891 - September 22, 1968) on 5 April 1913 in Cook County, Chicago, Illinos.

Cook County, Illinois, Marriages Index: Edward Holmquist

Edward was a linotype machinist. His most recent work was for the evening newspaper, the Chicago Evening American where he worked with his brother Bill. The paper was printed on the same press as was the Chicago Herald Examiner, a morning paper owned by W. R. Hearst.

For a short time Ed and his twin brother William owned and operated a small print shop on Chicago's south side. They were called the "Gold Dust Twins" by the fellows at work. Ed and Bill looked so much alike that anyone had a hard time telling them apart until they got to know them better.

Ed and Alice lived many places, among them being Benton Harbor during the summers of 1919 & 1920, Michigan and both the north side and the south side of Chicago.

Of his father Chuck writes:

Dad left home when I was nine - died when I was 17. He lived in Chicago - not too far from the rest of us - so I was able to see him often - mostly on weekends.

Working for the newspaper, as he did, he was able to get passes for this and that. So he and I went to midget auto races, polo games, garden shows, boat shows, stock shows, auto show, etc., etc.

As a youngster - say up until I was 8 or 9 - I do recall he and I went out to Jackson Park (in Chicago, within walking distance) and batted the ball to each other - also went swimming - he was a strong man and could easily carry me on his back and swim like I wasn't even there.

That was fun. We did do things together - and I recall he was excited about my going to Boy Scout Camp. I'd never been away before - mother didn't want me to go. Dad said yes. It was good for me. I went the following 3 years also. Dad was very good to me - loved me and I loved him.58

Ed eventually became a Christian according to Ed's brother John T., and John's son Russell.

Ed died at 54 years of age. He had stepped on a nail and later tetanus set in. Bud Holmquist went to visit his uncle with his father, but they were not permitted to see him. Uncle Ed died the next day. 57

Alice eventually moved from Chicago to Skokie, Illinois and retired in 1967. She spent her remaining years helping to care for her grandchildren, and visiting friends and family. She remained active and caring until the day she died. 59

Edward Holmquist: Illinois, Deaths and Stillbirths Index

6.3.1 Evelyn Fern Holmquist (March 16, 1916 - February 16, 1995) married Paul S. Glickauf (????- 1989).60

Evelyn and Paul had one child, Phyllis. For more information on Phyllis and her descendants see:

Descendants of Johannes and Emma Holmquist: A Family of Swedish American

6.3.2 Hazel Lois Holmquist (March 9, 1919 - ????) married John Winepark Holland (January 11, 1917 - March 20, 1990). John died of cancer (lymphoma). Hazel and John had two children, John and James. For more information on John and James and their families see:

Descendants of Johannes and Emma Holmquist: A Family of Swedish Americans

6.3.3. Charles Edward Holmquist (June 24, 1924 - April 9, 2013) married Betty Lou O'Dell (----) on September 6, 1952. Chuck was born in Chicago.

Betty was in banking.

Chuck was a printer.

Chuck was a World War II Navy veteran, serving from 1942 to 1945 in San Diego, California, as an aviation ordinance man. Charles worked as a printer for more than 30 years, retiring from Litton Precision Gear in Chicago in 1989.

He loved woodworking, airplanes, stamps and reading. He was a lifelong learner and loved to laugh.

Chuck passed away in Newark, Ohio, USA.

Charles and Betty had two children, Kerry and Edward. For more information on Kerry and Edward and their children see:

Descendants of Johannes and Emma Holmquist: A Family of Swedish Americans

Charles E. Holmquist: Obituary

6.4 Waldemar [Val, Valmar] Troved Holmquist (September 11, 1889 - January 11, 1974) was bon in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He married Nellie Mae Holm (June 24, 1892 - March 23, 1972) sister of Esther Holm, the wife of William Holmquist on 30 September 1914 in Cook County, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Cook County, Illinois Marriage Indexes: Waldemar Holmquist

Val was born in Chicago, Illinois and Nellie in Oskaloosa, Iowa. The spelling of Val's middle name, Troved, is taken from his driver's licence, draft registration card though he was possibly named after his grandfather, Trufvid Holmquist.

Val register from the draft during WWI on June 5, 1917.

Waldemar Holmquist Draft Registration Card World War I

Val gave his occupation as Printer Machinist working for Walden Typesetting Company of Chicago, Illinois. The draft Registrar recorded that his eyes were blue and his hair brown.

He was discharged from "immediate liability" for military service in August of 1917. No reason is given.

Certificate of Discharge from Military Service

Val's address was given as 9807 Vanderpoole Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.

Though he was 52 years old Val was required to register for the draft during the second world war. At this time he gave his address as 3241 West 45th Avenue, Gary, Indiana. He worked for a sheet and tin company.

Waldemar Holmquist Draft Registration Card World War II

Waldemar Holmquist Drivers License

Waldemar T. Holmquist Social Security card: issued December 11, 1936.

For more information on Val read:

Waldemar Trovid Holmquist

See also:

Holm Family

6.4.1 Richard Charles Holmquist (December 3, 1915 - December 3, 2008) married Sarah [Sally] Eleanor Jennings (----) from Fairfield, Connecticut. Dick passed away on his 93rd birthday.

Dick had a long and distinguished career.

Dick was a Lieutenant in the US navy during World War II, entering the navy in July of 1942 and serving on a minesweeper in the Pacific. Before the navy Dick was in the army air corps at Chanute Field, Rantoul, Illinois. After the war Dick was associated many years with General Electric in New York, Baltimore and Washington D.C. As a specialist in its community relations and government relations programs. He was named Outstanding Young Man of the Year for the city of Baltimore.

Dick became Executive Director of the Virginia Industrialization Group in which he consulted with the governor of Virginia regarding economic growth of the state of Virginia. In 1967 Dick met King Gustav of Sweden and spent about a half hour with him along with the Governor of Virginia. Their purpose in going to Sweden was to interest Swedish companies in investing in the state of Virginia. Since that time, Swedish business concerns have, indeed, opened factories and other businesses in that state. In 1967 Dick received a letter of thanks from the Governor of Virginia for his part in this Virginia Trade Mission to Europe.

In 1970 Dick received a letter from Preston Smith, Governor of Texas, for his work in that state.

In 1975 President Ford nominated Richard C. Holmquist who was then senior vice president of Lone Star Industries [business card] as a member of the Renegotiation Board of which Dick became chairman.63 This board was established to eliminate excessive profits in regards to defense and space contracts and to renegotiate contracts with the federal government when necessary. Dick was one of the participants of the 'New Non-Career Executives Invited to the White House: East Garden' on June 6, 1975. In The Daily of President Gerald R. Ford, Dick is mentioned as

Dick retired to Richmond, Virginia and engaged in various community activities, including that of Elder in the Presbyterian church.

In 1991 Richard and Sally visited family in Sweden: Asta Karlsson and her husband Allan, Jan-Åke Karlson and family, Hillevi Fagerberg and husband Elis, Kerstin Sten-Ove Linell and family, Anna Holmquist, and spoke with Bengt Holmquist on the phone. Dick had this to say about his visit:

[Hillevi and Elis Fagerberg] are a delightful couple. Elis is an antique automobile buff and has a very early Studebaker in excellent condition. Hillevi is quite fluent in English . . . . Their daughter, Kerstin has a beautiful family with two children Sandra and Tony. [We] have not met Inger who lives in Stockholm.

Jan-Åke, Asta and Allan's son, travels the world and speaks excellent English. He and his wife have two beautiful children. They all took Sally and me on an extensive tour of the Älmhult area including Stenbrohult.

We also enjoyed our visit with Anna even though she spoke no English. But her rolls and coffee were delicious and her many photographs of family members were most interesting.64

See also Some Memories from My Early Years written by Dick about his childhood up until his college days, Richard Holmquist dies by staff writers of the Richmond Times-Dispatch published December 19,2008, and Dick's obituary entitled Richard Charles Holmquist, published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on December 7, 2008. Also, by the writers of the Richmond Times-Dispatch is an article entitled 'Years End' published December 31, 2008 and updated January 5, 2009 in which the writers mentioned in a paragraph notables who died in 2008.

And these names were inscribed on tombstones: Millie Jones; William F. Buckley Jr.; Al Smith; David Thomas Shannon; Richard Lower; Alma Hunt; Jesse Helms; Alexander Sozhenitsyn; Malcolm Pitt Jr.; Frederick Scott Bocock; Elsie Holland; Avery Cardinal Dulles; and Richard Charles Holmquist. They are remembered -- fondly.

Richard Holmquist's 1977 Resume

Dick and Sally had two boys, Richard and Robert. For more information on Richard and Robert see:

Descendants of Johannes and Emma Holmquist: A Family of Swedish Americans

6.4.2 Robert Waldemar Holmquist (January 20, 1918 - June 11, 1994) married Eva Love Wyatt (July 9, 1918 - February 21, 2011). Bob was in real estate and was a construction operator in Wyoming and on the board of the National Association of Home Builders at both state and national levels as Wyoming State President for two terms and State Political Action Chairman. He was born in Gary, Indiana and passed away in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Robert (Bob) was a major in the US Army air force during World War II. He was a veteran of four major European and African campaigns: Africa, Tunisia, Sicily and Italy.

He enlisted in the army according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs so perhaps he was in the army air service. In any case he enlisted on May 30, 1942 and left on February 12, 1946.

Caryl Holmquist as provided copies of Bob's WWII letters:

Robert Holmquist World War II Letters

Bob was one of three officer brothers overseas during World War II. The others were Richard and Donald. Their sister's husband F. Allen Carlton, a Liberator bomber pilot was taken prisoner of war in Germany. Later after World War II Bob was promoted to Lt. Colonel while serving in the Reserves.

Bob and Eva had three children: Harry, Robert and Lee. For more information on these children and their descendants see:

Descendants of Johannes and Emma Holmquist: A Family of Swedish Americans.

6.4.3 Jeanne Nellie Holmquist (November 11, 1919 - November 10, 2016) married F. Alan Carlton, Jr. (----) formerly manager of Sears in Fresno, California and later a vice-president of Sears. Still later he was in real estate in Rancho Bernardo, California. Jeanne was a registered nurse. Jeanne was born in Gary, Indiana.

Allan was a B24 bomber pilot in World War II in the 389th Group, 2nd Air Division, Eighth Air Force in England from October 1, 1943 until he was shot down over Gotha, Germany on February 24, 1944. He was captured and spent 15 months in Stalag Luft 1 in Barth when the Russian army liberated the camp. Americans flew in and took him and the other Americans to France where they were eventually shipped home on Liberty ships. Alan was prisoner #3173 in the camp which held 9500 prisoners by the end of the war.

Jeanne and Alan had two children, Jo and Janice. For more information on Jo and Janice and family see:

Descendants of Johannes and Emma Holmquist: A Family of Swedish Americans

6.4.4 Donald John Holmquist (December 23, 1921 - April 13, 2009) married Barbara Nelle Johnson (----).

Don was born in Gary, Indiana. He is a retired Corporate Treasurer of Eli Lilly Company of Indianapolis, Indiana, and is on a number of corporate boards and is past Chairman of Education for Indiana.

Don was a captain in the army in World War II and took part in D-Day. Later Don was with a motorized unit in France. Before joining the army Don was an instructor in the school of business at Indiana University. All three brothers graduated from Calumet Township High School.

Donald J. Holmquist Obiturary

For more information on their families see:

Descendants of Johannes and Emma Holmquist: A Family of Swedish Americans

6.4.5 Dorothy Mae Holmquist (December 29, 1924 - March 6, 1931). Dorothy was born in Gary, Indiana. She died of meningitis.

6.4.6 Caryl Adele Holmquist (----) was born in Gary, Indiana. Caryl worked as a travel consultant in Richmond, Virginia and later moved to Washington state.67

Caryl visited the Holmquist farm in Sweden in 2009 with her grandson's daughter, Stephanie. They were invited into the Holmquist house for coffee by the current owners.

For photos of Caryl and Stephanie's visit to the Holmquist farm see:

Holmquist Family Farm Album

For a short video clip of Caryl at the former Holmquist farmhouse see:

Visiting the Holmquist Family Farm in Sweden

The man in the video is not related be agreed to introduce Caryl and Stephanie to the current owner of the house and property. Stephanie is taking the video. Note that more videos were taken, but are not yet available to add to this website.

For direction to the Holmquist farm when in Sweden see:

Directions to Holmquist Farm

Caryl three sons are Gary, Ralph and Mark. For more information on Gary, Ralph and Mark see:

Descendants of Johannes and Emma Holmquist: A Family of Swedish Americans

6.4.7 Marjorie Mae Holmquist (----) married Walter Olin Wolf (-----). Walt founded Wolf Enterprises, a boat and marine supplies business in Michigan, which also includes Wolf's Divers' Supply (SCUBA shop). He is now retired.

Marjorie and Walter had six children: Walter, William, Wesley, Madge, Warren and Winn. For more on this branch of the family see:

Descendants of Johannes and Emma Holmquist: A Family of Swedish Americans

6.5 Edith Marie Holmquist (February 9, 1892 - August 2, 1892). Edith was only five months old when she died. We don't know what she died of.

Cook County, Illinois, Deaths Index: Edith Holmqust

6.6 Emma (Emmy) Elisabeth Holmquist (September 4, 1896 - 1900).

For a graphic representation of Johannes Holmquist's family tree see Holmquist Family Tree 1688 - 1900. A few things about this linked file: 1) You will need a user name and password. To get both see Password. When you open the family tree you will need to print it, and then tape the pages together since the family tree does not fit on one sheet of paper.

See also:

History of Swedes of Illinois (1908)

Reminiscences of Chicago and Englewood

Note: After clicking on a link you may need a user name and password to see other web pages . If so email family@earthwander.com to make a request.

Registry of Living Holmquists in the USA in 1990. Note: this registry is a collection of addresses of people with the last name of Holmquist who were living in the USA in 1990. Most of these individuals are not related to our family. The value of this registry is we can possibly find out where a Holmquist family member who is related was living in that year.