Earl Oquist

“Ed”

Earl Oquist died at home in his sleep on December 8, 2010 in Charlotte, NC. Earl never met a stranger. He will be missed by family, friends, and neighbors across the country.

Earl was born December 31, 1931 in Chicago, IL to Elmer and Lillie Belle Oquist. He attended Greenville College, joined the Air Force during the Korean War, and was stationed in Puerto Rico. He was a proud American who loved his country.

Earl spent the majority of his career in Chicago with CNA Insurance Company. In later years his career brought him to Dallas, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Houston, New Jersey, and he and his wife Judy happily retired to Charlotte in 2000.

Earl took great pleasure in his family, the Chicago Cubs, a good story, a hard laugh, jazz music, cribbage, champagne on Christmas morning, and an afternoon beer. He led his family on camping trips across the U.S, and picked up lifelong friends on the way. He was the subject of the column local newspaper column “Drinking Beer With Ed.” He loved life, and those who knew him loved him.

Earl is survived by Judy, his loving wife of 49 years, daughter Lynn and son-in-law Jeff Trenning of Charlotte, son Eric Oquist and daughter-in-law Heather Deaton of Milwaukee, son John and daughter-in-law Karen Oquist of Columbus, IN, daughter Tracy and son-in-law Cary Ballas of Dallas, TX, grandchildren Emily and Joe Trenning, and Colin and Elliot Oquist, brother Eugene Oquist, and nieces Sandi Wiech and Sonja Plaisance.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, December 11, 2010, at Harry & Bryant, 500 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28207, (704) 332-7133. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to The Urban Ministry Center, 945 N. College St., Charlotte, NC. 28206