Jonette Tornquist

In Loving Memory of Jonette (Youngquist) Tornquist
December 6, 1954 – May 23, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Jonette (Youngquist) Tornquist of Turlock, CA. Born on December 6, 1954, to Vincent and Signa (Lindquist) Youngquist at Emanuel Hospital. Jonette was a beloved member of the Turlock community and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. After years of facing various health-related challenges, she was suddenly called home to rest in eternal peace on May 23, 2025.
She will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by her devoted husband, Albert Tornquist, and their pride and joy-their three children: Craig Tornquist, Valerie Tornquist, and Danielle Brown, all of Turlock.
Jonette was raised in Turlock and grew up attending Nazareth Lutheran Church, where she first laid eyes on a young Albert Tornquist and declared then that they would someday marry. She attended Turlock High School, where she and Albert became high school sweethearts. They were engaged during her senior year before her graduation in 1973.
On February 16, 1974, Jonette and Albert were married in the same church where they had both been raised.
They went on to raise their family in the community they held so close to their hearts-Turlock. Jonette was a devoted homemaker while their children were young, later returning to work when her youngest daughter entered school. She was employed in clerical roles at Brandel Manor and Emanuel Medical Center, where she formed many treasured friendships that remained close to her heart throughout her life.
Jonette found great joy in decorating her home and had a deep love for gardening, a passion she inherited from her father. In retirement, she enjoyed reconnecting with friends from her youth, especially her high school locker partner and best friend, Dina (Yonan) Gehring. Jonette and Albert shared many fun and memorable RV adventures with Dina and her husband, Lyle.
Jonette loved BIG-whether it was her family, her friends, or animals, especially dogs and horses. Her love was deep, loyal, and unconditional.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Signa Youngquist; her sister, Karen Gregory; and her parents-in-law, Robert (Bob) and Phyllis (Nutcher) Tornquist.
She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Albert Tornquist; their children, Craig (Erica) Tornquist, Valerie Tornquist, and Danielle (Aaron) Brown; and her sister, Linda (Fred) Vincent of Stockton. She also leaves behind six beloved grandchildren: Sophia and Ava Foren, Caleb Tornquist, Kennedy Brown, Ellie Tornquist, and Alana Brown, in addition to her many nieces, nephews and friends.
A celebration of Jonette's life-her "last hoorah"-will be held at Crossroads Church, Turlock, on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.
Although Jonette is no longer with us, she will be remembered for how big she loved those she held close, her silly sense of humor, and her quick wit.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Mercy Team of Crossroads Church or the Turlock Animal Shelter, causes that were close to Jonette's heart.