John A. Newquist (1936-2024)

John A. Newquist, 88, of DeKalb Illinois passed away on July 30, 2024, at Generations at Neighbors in Byron, IL.

Born June 23, 1936, in Racine, Wis., the 5th son of Harvey and Mabel (Hartmann) Newquist.

He married Francis Picola Lawrence on November 12, 1971, in Alexander VA.

John was graduate of Saint Mary's Grade School and DeKalb Township High School, a graduate of the Utt School of Automation and George Mason University in Fairfax, VA., with a B.S. in Public Administration.

John was a veteran of the United States Army from 1955 to 1961.  He spent his adult life in various aspects of the computer field first employed at Delmonte Corporation in Rochelle, Ill., as an operator/programmer.  He left Delmonte to open The Peacock Restaurant and Bar in Creston, I'll., which he built, owned and operated.  He later moved to Northern Va. to work at Systems Development Corporation as a traveling consultant/programmer, then moving to Airline Tariff Publishing as tech writer eventually becoming Manager of Computer Services.

His final move was to Inova Health System as a Network Administrator and Computer Technician until his retirement in 2002, he was also owner/operator of Tin Barn Motors an auto restoration shop for many years.

He is survived by his wife Fran, three children, son David Newquist of Virginia.  First wife Masako Newquist (deceased) of Illinois, son John Newquist of Illinois, daughter Cynthia (Gary) Iverson of Arizona.  Grand children Lindsey Newquist of Virginia, Ryan, Alex, Chris Newquist of Illinois, Logan Newquist of Georgia and Great Granddaughter Haven Buchannan of Virginia.

John is also survived by one brother, Harvey (Pat) Newquist Jr. of Arizona and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harvey Newquist; his mother, Mabel Newquist; three brothers, Richard, Donald, and Howard Newquist, three sister-in-laws:  Irene Newquist, MaryLou Newquist, and Betty Newquist.

He was beloved by his family, with special thanks to Fran for her adventurous ways, Marilyn for her long-term care, Jan for her ageless friendship, Taty for her keeping me on the correct path and to brother Howard (Now. Deceased) for telling me nothing is impossible if you try which I did and he was correct, my thanks to all these friends as the journey was great.

May he rest in peace.

No formal services but cremation was entrusted at Finch Funeral Home and Crematory in DeKalb, Illinois. Burial will be at a later date at St Mary's Cemetery in DeKalb. Arrangements were entrusted to: Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115, (815) 758-3841.