Vernon Lyle Lundquist

Vernon Lyle Lundquist

Lakeland, FL

Vernon L. Lundquist, 91, son of Ed and Viola Lundquist was born February 10, 1925 in Sioux City, IA and departed this life on September 20, 2016 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in Lakeland, FL.

He attended school in Sioux City, IA graduating from Central High School. He was a WW II veteran, enlisting in the US Navy in April 1943 and trained at the Naval air technical training center in Norman, OK and at the Navy bombardier school at Banana River, FL. He then trained in Wichita, KS on the PB4Y-2 Privateer and became the member of a crew on a search plane as an Aviation Fire Control Man. That plane became a "one-plane task force" that pioneered the use of cannon in the nose of search planes hunting Japanese vessels. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, seven air medals and two battle stars for Okinawa and the bombing on the Japanese mainland. He was discharged from the US Navy in October 1945.

While stationed in Wichita, KS he met Venice I. Eberhard of Ponca City, OK and they were married in Sioux City, IA on September 29, 1945. They were married for 61 years.

He moved to Waterloo, IA in the early 1950s and was employed by Matt Parrot & Sons Printing as a pressman. He enrolled in business classes at SCI during his time in Waterloo. He moved to Cedar Rapids, IA in 1964 where he became plant superintendent of the Stamats Publishing Co. He moved to Des Moines, IA, started working for the State of Iowa on December 6, 1971 and assumed responsibility for state printing on January 18, 1972 as Superintendent of Printing. He retired from the State of Iowa on January 15, 1987 after 15 years of service. After his retirement he was caregiver for his wife, Venice, and after her death in August 2007 he worked for WesleyLife as a Meals on Wheels driver. Me moved to Lakeland, FL in August 2015.

Vernon's hobby was radio control airplanes. He both built them and flew them and was a member of a club in Des Moines of radio control enthusiasts. He participated and judged in many radio control air shows. He was interested in anything aviation, especially aviation from the WW II era. He was also an active member and former vestry member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Des Moines and volunteered for many projects at the church.

Vernon is survived by two daughters, Barbara Howlett of Lakeland, FL, Suzanne Spurling (Ken) of Lakeland, FL; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Vernon was preceded in death by his wife, Venice Lundquist; his daughter Amelia Sweeney of New Orleans, LA; his parents Mr. & Mrs. Ed and Viola Lundquist; one sister; and one brother.

Services will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, October 15, 2016 at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. Burial of his ashes will be in St. Andrew's Memory Garden.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.