Eileen R. Lindquist

Funeral services for Eileen R. Lindquist, 83, of Bettendorf will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Davenport. Burial will follow at Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cunnick-Collins Mortuary in Davenport and one hour prior to service time at the church. Mrs. Lindquist passed away on Friday January 29, 2010, surrounded by her family at the Manor Care - Arcadia Unit, Utica Ridge.Eileen Ruth Ewert was born May 14, 1926 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Walter & Elsie (Zeimer) Ewert. She grew up in Elmwood Park, IL. She attended Leyden High School where she acted in many school plays and was voted Homecoming Queen. She went on to attend William Woods University and Moline Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing. During nurses training she met and fell in love with Dale Lindquist. He was a used car salesman with a dream to open his own dealership someday. They married June 29, 1946 in River Forest, IL. They lived in the Illinois Quad Cities until 1968, when they moved to Bettendorf. Dale worked as a Sales Manager at several dealerships to learn “the ropes”. Eileen stayed at home to raise their 3 children. In time, Eileen encouraged Dale to go for “his dream” of owning their own dealership. They borrowed money and used their savings to open Lindquist Ford on Grant Street in Bettendorf. The early years were tough as documented in a diary Eileen kept. Eventually the business grew and prospered. They built two more buildings in Bettendorf the newest being on Middle Road. Eileen offered love and constant encouragement to Dale. Upon Dales death, Eileen and her 3 children worked hard to continue “The Family Dream”. Her family still owns and operates Lindquist Ford. She recently helped the dealership celebrate 50 years in business. Eileen was proud of her family’s many accomplishments and the Dealerships’ success.Eileen and Dale were longtime members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. She was active in many women’s groups over the years. They were also long-time members of Crow Valley Country Club. Eileen also did volunteer work over the years at Genesis Hospital, American Cancer Society Discovery Shop and Camp Shalom. At the Martin Luther King Center, Friendly House and Aldridge Center she and her family sponsored & helped serve free Thanksgiving Meals for the needy for many years. She enjoyed traveling the world with her husband and later with her family. Her hobbies were knitting, gardening, and spending winters in Florida. Her family and her faith were the most important parts of her life. Eileen is survived by her 3 loving children: Pam (Tim)Mettee of Davenport; Steve Lindquist of Davenport, and Greg (Suzett) Lindquist of Bettendorf. She enjoyed spending time with her 3 grandchildren: Todd (Amber) Mettee of Bettendorf, Katie Mettee of Bettendorf, and Nick Kleppe also of Bettendorf. Eileen had 1 great-grandson: Tristan Mettee at home. Other survivors include: Her loving sister: Marilyn (Wes) Thorsen of St. Charles IL; Nephews: Mike (Audrey) Thorsen, and Mark (Sue) Thorsen. Nieces: Holly (Lou) Sagan, and Jill (Paul) Wirig; 8 Great-Nieces and Nephews: Mike, Peter, Amanda, Eric, Steven, Kelly, Elise and Grant; and, her special cousin: Elaine (Ed) Hanzelin. Eileen’s parents and her beloved husband, Dale, preceded her in death. The family would like to thank: Pastor Ron Huber - for his prayers & support, Manor Care - Arcadia Unit staff for their wonderful care & kindness shown to Eileen and her family, the staff at The Fountains, Bettendorf, and the staff at Home Instead, Bettendorf, (especially Lois Frazier) - for adding so much pleasure to Mom’s final years, and Dr. Ann O’Donnell - for all her care and concern over the years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Genesis Hospice, The American Cancer Society or a favorite charity in Eileen’s name.