His parents, Ivar and Leone (Williams) Holmquist, welcomed their son into the world on November 19, 1929, in Hartford, CT. He grew up in Brattleboro, VT, and attended Brattleboro High School. Don was a lifelong learner and took many additional classes on his path.
Don proudly served his country in the US Air Force from 1948-1969, holding the rank of MSgt at his retirement. His most notable assignments were as Inspector of Personnel and Administration, Presidential Wing Special Missions, 1955 to 1961, and his attachment to the US Embassy in the Netherlands, 1961 to 1964. He served with Air Defense Command in Colorado Springs and with the Strategic Air Command in Long Island.
In 1969 Don joined the Keene Post Office as a Distribution Clerk. He then served as postmaster in Munsonville, Dublin, and Hinsdale, retiring in 1990.
He continued his connection with the military in many ways. He served as Department Adjutant for the New Hampshire State American Legion organization from 1994-1999 and again from 2008-2009. He was an Honorary Life Member of Keene Gordon Bissell American Legion Post #4 and served as Post Commander, 2006 and 2007, as well as Past Finance Officer and Adjutant. As a member of the Keene Post #4 Color Guard for 29 years, he participated in military ceremonies, parades, and events statewide. Donald was proud of his membership in the ANAFVINCUS.
He was a member of the New Hampshire Legion Senior Baseball Tournament committee for 16 years.
He was a 41-year member of the Cheshire County Voiture Local #559 of the Forty and Eight Grande du NH. He was also an Associate member of the NH Huguenot Society and the New Hampshire Society of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. His memberships also included the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War.
He was predeceased by his first wife of 53 years, Arlene Retz Holmquist in 2004.
He is survived by his wife of sixteen years, Marilyn J. (Millett) Holmquist of Keene; his daughters, Jodie E. Holmquist (Phil Ailes) and Sonja L Bispo (Richard); his stepchildren, John Pratt (Aila), Stephen Pratt (Joan), and Naomi Smith (Brian) and their respective families; his grandchildren, Matthew Meyer (Patricia) and Jacob Friend (Jasmine Nightingale); his great granddaughter, Iris Friend. He is also survived by his step grandchildren, Carie Kowalski (Edward) and Jason Ailes (Lori), and their respective families. Mr. Holmquist is also survived by his sister, Joyce Fogleman.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2021 from 1:00PM to 3:00PM in the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene. Words of remembrance will be offered at 2:30PM at the funeral home. A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Monday, April 26, 2021 at 11:00AM in the NH State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH. All those in attendance at the celebration of life and graveside service are required to wear facemasks and to maintain the physical distancing requirements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Holmquist’s memory to the Children and Veterans Foundation Fund, c/o National Commander, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206.
