Don was born July 4, 1935 to the late J. Oscar and Hilda Marschinke Holquist. He was the fourth of eight children and attended Oil City High School. Don graduated in 1961 from Clarion State College, now Clarion University, where he met his wife Linda. They were married on August 12, 1961.
Don served honorably in the US Navy from 1957-1961. He was an enthusiastic teacher for 30 years, including at Baldwin High School in Long Island, where he served as chairman of the math department. He also taught at Nassau Community College, Adelphi University, Hofstra University, and through a cable TV program in which he fielded homework questions. Don’s service extended beyond the classroom to district-wide and regional work, where he was known for affably sharing ideas in ways that focused attention and influenced outcomes. The commendations Don treasured most were those from his students.
Notwithstanding his retirement, Don remained an active teacher, tutoring students referred to him from church. He also treasured memories of teaching Professor B’s math program to students in Chicago. Don led Sunday school classes and Bible studies for years, and was an active member of Peace Presbyterian Church.
Don is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Linda Rae Dillman Holquist; his children and their spouses, Elisa, Eric and Michelle, and Andrew and Lee; and six adored grandchildren and their spouses, Jessica and Jeremy Haarer, Matthew, Hannah, Danielle, Jason, and Nicholas. Don was preceded in death by three siblings, John Holquist, Robert Holquist, and Dorothy Rowland. He is also survived by four siblings, Richard Holquist, Gary Holquist, Ann O’Neil, and Tom Holquist, and by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 3, at 2pm, at Peace Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Peace Presbyterian Church, or to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27606 or transitionslifecare.org.
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