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DAHLQUIST -- Gunnar Dahlquist died at his home on Monday, February 27, 2006, at the age of 79 surrounded by his family. Gunnar was born April 9, 1926 in Tacoma, WA, to Gunnar and Cora Dahlquist. He began working for his father to learn the family business of building houses at the age of five. Gunnar joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 and was sent to UNM to be educated as a Civil Engineer. While there, he joined Kappa Alpha Fraternity and met his future bride, Annelies Feil. He was commissioned as an Ensign and was sent to Rhode Island to become a SEABEE. Gunnar and Annelies were married there on November 16, 1945. After completing military service, they returned to UNM where he graduated in 1947. He worked with his father in Tacoma for a year, but the draw of the Land of Enchantment brought them back to Albuquerque where they made their home. In 1951, they moved to Belen, NM where Gunnar temporarily took over the management of the family store (Feil and Ellermeyer) with his wife's cousin, Herb Ellermeyer, after the death of Annelies' parents and uncle. They enjoyed the community where Gunnar was active in the church and civic affairs, including the Belen Rotary Club. Five years later, they moved back to Albuquerque where Gunnar returned to his passion, building custom homes and commercial buildings in the Albuquerque area. La Luz is an enduring tribute to his skill. As Chairman of the Building Committee, Gunnar was instrumental in building St. Paul Lutheran Church in its current location. He enjoyed woodworking and designed and made cradles for each of his daughters' families, in addition to other fine furniture. In 1978, Gunnar and Annelies discovered Quadra Island, British Columbia. They started spending their summers there and bought a house that became a family retreat. It was a tradition for the extended family to gather every year, which allowed his grandchildren to develop a close relationship that is both unique and remarkable. Gunnar instilled his love of the outdoors in his children and his grandchildren. In 1986, they were drawn to Santa Barbara, CA, where they established deep ties with the community and Trinity Lutheran Church. Gunnar enjoyed sharing his knowledge as a volunteer docent at the Museum of Natural History and tutoring at a local Elementary School. In 2004, to be closer to family, they moved back to Albuquerque where they joined Faith Lutheran Church. Gunnar's Memorial Service will be held in the original sanctuary that he built 25 years ago. His life was characterized by his sense of humor, passion for learning, creativity, faith, love for his family, and hard work. Perhaps nothing gave Gunnar more pleasure than the time he spent with his family around him. Gunnar is survived by his beloved wife of sixty years, Annelies, his three daughters and their families: Elise and Pat Orell, and Elaine and Ron Solimon of Albuquerque, and Arlene (Thurber) and John Larson of Lafayette, CA. He is also survived by his six grandchildren and their spouses, Nels Orell, Eric and Malia Orell, and Justin and Lucy Solimon of Albuquerque; Kristin (Solimon) and Judah Pifer of Tucson, AZ; Jason and Michelle Thurber of San Jose, CA; and Andrew and Rebecca Thurber of San Diego, CA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his 18-month old grandson, Adam Orell, whose death on February 27, 1976, was exactly thirty years prior to his grandfather's. A memorial service in celebration of Gunnar's life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, March 3, 2006, at Faith Lutheran Church, 10000 Spain Road NE, Albuquerque. Pastor Bruce Wilder will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to ARCA Foundation at 11300 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112 (www.arcaopeningdoors.org) or the church or charity of your choice. The family of Gunnar Dahlquist thanks their many friends and relatives whose support and thoughtfulness will always be gratefully remembered and deeply appreciated. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333
        Published on: Thu March 02, 2006