Ralph Richard Lundquist
RAPID RIVER — Ralph Richard Lundquist, 79, of Rapid River, passed away Friday, March 8, 2024 in his home. Ralph was born on April 23, 1944 in Escanaba, Mich. and was the son of John “Richard” and Clarice Lundquist. Ralph attended Rapid River High School where he excelled at multiple sports. After graduating high school in 1963, he obtained an associate’s degree and proudly served for six years in the Michigan National Guard.
Ralph was united in marriage to Karen Kline on June 10, 1967 in Escanaba, Mich. Together they raised three children — two sons and one daughter — in the home that they built in Rapid River. In addition, he experienced a rewarding 30-year career with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Ralph was an avid outdoorsman that enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and exploring the outdoors of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He devoted much of his time to conservation efforts both at his beloved camp, the “Snowshoe Lodge” and the Northwest Territory property that adjoined it. In addition, he enjoyed sharing his knowledge with the community and others. He was heavily involved in multiple organizations that were dedicated to the protection of wildlife and chartered the Forestry Club for students at the Rapid River High School. In his retirement years, he and his wife spent most of their time as camp hosts at Indian Lake State Park and one of his greatest joys was the work that he did with the Friends of Indian Lake Committee. Ralph was a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River and the Rapid River American Legion Post #301.
Ralph is survived by: his beloved wife, Karen; sons, Michael (Cherese) Lundquist of Ford River and David (Cyndi) Lundquist of Rapid River; daughter, Jill Winling of Lake Villa, Ill.; seven grandchildren, Brent Lundquist, Brayden Lundquist, Bryce Lundquist, Blake Lundquist, Regan Winling, Andrew Winling and Braxton Lundquist.
In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his sister, Marcella Stevens.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Gladstone. American Legion Services will be conducted at 4 p.m. Thursday at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel by the Rapid River American Legion Post #301, with funeral services, celebrating the life of Ralph Lundquist, to follow with Rev. Terry Frankenstein officiating. A luncheon will be serviced following the funeral services in the Bay de Noc Room, located at the Anderson Funeral Home. Burial will take place in the spring of the year in the Rapid River Cemetery. The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the Lundquist family with the arrangements and online condolences can be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.