Robert Eugene Sternquist Sr.

Robert Eugene Sternquist, Sr., 95, of Novato, California, passed away on January 20, 2017. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 4, 1921. As a teenager, he moved from Chicago to Tucson, Arizona and finally to Glendale, California where he graduated from Glendale High School on June 15, 1939 and attended Curtiss-Wright Technical Institute and was granted a diploma as a Master Aviation Mechanic on November 1, 1940.

During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific (primarily the Phillipines) as well as in California, Oregon and Washington from May 28, 1942 until December 8, 1945. He was presented the Air Medal with the following citation: “For meritorious achievement in aerial flight as an Aircrewman in a Plane in Utility Squadron TWO during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area from March 9 to May 20, 1945. Participating in five combat missions during this period, STERNQUIST contributed materially to the success of his plane. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

He was married to Lillian Maude Warren on June 26, 1946. He spent the bulk of his career in the building trades as a carpet and linoleum layer. He retired from Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center on March 31, 1983. He loved traveling the backroads of America and enjoyed driving until his 93rd birthday. He was a terrific role model: married over 56 years, honest, hard working, independent, competitive, charming and generous.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife in 2002 and his eldest daughter, Karen R. Whiteaker, in 2011. He is survived by his son, Robert E. Sternquist of Adrian, Michigan and his daughter, Vicki S. Grenewetzki of Novato, California as well as his sister, Dorothy K. Wiesman of Fairfax, Virginia. Robert leaves eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Arrangements are pending for a memorial service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.