James Berquist

James “Jim” R. Berquist, 83, of Crystal Lake, died Saturday, June 7, 2014 in Crystal Lake. He was born on December 17, 1930 to Emil and Esther Berquist in Superior, Wisconsin.

Jim was the captain of his high school football team, earning a scholarship to college, but was unable to attend due to finances. Instead, he spent his summers on the wheat harvest in South Dakota. Along the way, he discovered his passion for flying. He attended night school at the University of Minnesota Minneapolis for flight instruction. From there he went on to serve his country for 4 years in the U.S Navy. He was an officer in the mine warfare division on the U.S.S. Carmick (DMS 33) during the Korean War. After his tour, he went to work at Remington Rand Univac where he was an electronic technician and he also met is beautiful wife. His passion for flying ran strong inside of him and he returned to his true love. He flew helicopters in Minneapolis and Oregon, doing various tasks such as reforestation, mosquito control and extinguishing forest fires. In 1965 he began working as a commercial pilot for United Airlines and retired a Captain in 1990. After coming home one day to a front yard full of boats, he helped his son follow his passion by starting Berquist Marine Center.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mary Berquist; children, James Berquist, Jr. and Dave (fiancée Michelle Tessman) Berquist; grandchildren, Baily, Hunter, Andrea and David Berquist; and brother, Harvey (the late Doris) Berquist.

He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Debra Ann Berquist; and brothers, Don and Arnold Berquist.

Services will be held privately. The private burial will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, St. Paul, Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center, 305 Harbor View Pkwy, Superior WI 54880, 715-392-7151.

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