John Eric Lundquist, age 76, of St. Clair Shores, Michigan passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2023. He was born on August 5, 1946 to parents Eric and Margareta (Jansson) Lundquist. Loving husband of 55 years to Carolyn Ann (Schmidt) Lundquist. Beloved father to Britta (Jason) Wofford and Erica (Josh) Saperstein. Cherished grandfather, or better said, most adored Pops to Elliana, Carolena, Juliette (Wofford) and Sofia and Ethan (Saperstein). Appreciated son-in-law to Carol. Dear brother to Ann (Jim) Rogers and brother-in-law to Priscilla, Elise and Mike (Kathie). Beloved Uncle to Kristina (Mike), Ingrid, Niklas, Kirsten (Rob), J. Mikael (Heather), Markus (Emma), Ariana, Tatiana, Danny, Andranika, Tim, Suzanne, Kristin, Kevin and Melissa and many great-nephews & great-nieces. John is preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Harry, sister Katherine, brothers-in-law Gary and Jan, sister-in-law Rebecca and nephews Ryan and Thaddeus.
John always had a smile and was often heard saying "it’s all about family, right?" He loved genealogy research and his Swedish family traditions, not because he was focused on the past, but he believed in honoring those who established the family foundation and was determined to build well upon it. A very common place to find John was behind the lens of a photo or video camera as he documented births, first steps, ballet recitals, musicals, graduations, holidays, birthday parties, a family trip "home" to Sweden and the annual caroling of the 12 Days of Christmas, spinning 'round to capture each person's assigned part.
He was so giving and generous, especially in the attention and genuine interest he gave someone when speaking with them and in sharing an encouraging word or goal-oriented idea with them. Family and friends alike would say he was never at a loss for words... especially when it was time to say "goodnight" or "goodbye".
He was the catalyst to coordinating travel destinations, outdoor activities and time spent with people, always drawing in new friends. Never one to be shy, he made things fun for others, and there is actual video proof that he both danced and sang like no one was watching! He truly lived life and was the life of the party, which is what made him the very best, "reel" cool Pops for his grandchildren... fishing, swimming, exercising, playing games, blueberry picking, Christmas tree lot chopping, performing piano recitals full of "Heart & Soul" and Mackinac Island bike riding, full around to the reward of island famous ice cream. This was a much enjoyed extended family destination vacation for many years, as well as adventures to the cabin on Perch Lake.
He was such a great example of setting goals, working hard, being disciplined and being a good sportsman. Super competitive, in his youth, baseball was his game and into adulthood he enjoyed the camaraderie of the Orchard Lake Church men's softball team and golfing with his friends. Family was always his top priority, but all who knew him also knew his love-love of tennis! Leagues, tournaments and rankings -- when there were schedules, win/loss scores and brackets to report, the news was shared and signed "JohnnyMacAndrePistolPete". He was 100% committed to achieving his best result to whatever he set his mind upon. This included his work at his grandfather's business, A.A. Jansson lathing precision gage blocks, his engineering degree earned at Lawrence Tech and his automotive engineering career at General Motors. His 2009 retirement opened his schedule to wintering in Florida playing tennis tournaments and heading over to The Salty Dog for a grouper sandwich & draft beer, to Big Olaf's for a Heath Blizzard and then on to taking-in all those remarkable sunsets over the Gulf.
John would always sign off saying, "Life is Good!" And with the sweetest emotion, John acknowledged his gratitude for how full, rich and blessed his days had been with his beautiful wife and family, saying, "Thank you, God, for giving me such a great life. I will love my God forever and ever."
Memorial Service will be held on Friday June 23, 2023, 1:00 pm, at Grosse Pointe Memorial Church 16 Lake Shore Drive Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236.
For map directions see the link below.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3cDFVTH6GqBjUeMa6
Arrangements entrusted to Kaul Funeral Home St. Clair Shores Chapel.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kaul-fh.com for the Lundquist family.
