Arthur "Bud" Lyndon Lillquist

Arthur L. “Bud” Lillquist, 91, died suddenly and peacefully at home on his farm, September 25, 2019.

He was born November 14, 1927, the first born son of Irene and Arthur Lillquist, in Guthrie where his dad had the general store. His early life revolved around his large Swedish family (both sets of grandparents were Scandinavian immigrants), the aftermath of The Depression, chores, hunting and fishing. At age seventeen he graduated from Bemidji High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. WWII ended during basic training and he was sent to the Philippines where he was a MOMM3 on a tugboat. He was able to actually see that tugboat again at age 80 and reunite with some fellow sailors when it was restored and harbored in Oregon. A large part of his life was defined by service to his country. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion. In Richfield (where his name is on a monument) and in Bemidji.

Following discharge, Bud attended Dunwoody Institute on the G.I. Bill and trained to be an Auto Mechanic. While doing so, he lived in South Minneapolis and worked at a Swedish grocery store. He then began h is career in the auto industry working at Peterson Mercury on Lake Street and later at Quality Mercury on Hwy 494. He was promoted early on to Service Manager and went on to do General Management, winning several awards in Detroit for his skills. He was on billboards in the Twin Cities and drove his kids around to see them! They thought he was a star.

Art married Beverly Thune in downtown Minneapolis in March 1952. They built a house in Richfield after their first child, Karen was born, Keith and David followed. He worked hard every week when they were growing up, but devoted all weekends to his wife and children. He took them to visit Grandparents and to the woods where they could be immersed in nature. In 1968 Bev died of cancer and became the primary parent. He continued to haul Karen and her friends around and gave her his Daytons charge card. He hunted with his boys and never missed their Little League or hockey games. He was a rock to his kids and their hero.

In June 1970 Art remarried and he and Neen (Namock) returned to rural life. They built a home on his land near Guthrie and he became a farmer raising, cattle, horses, chickens, and pets. He worked on cars, machinery and fences.

He had a huge garden and a tree farm. In the eighties he lived in both Pakistan and Nepal where Neen did International Nursing but his roots remained deep in Hubbard Co. He was fortunate to travel to many countries around the world but he loved his land and the view outside from his kitchen window. He shared his farm and acreage with all who knew him and it will continue to be maintained and cherished. Ma han vila I frid.

He is survived by his daughter Karen (John) Filardo and son Keith (Judy) Lillquist; grandchildren, Jonathan, Daniella, and Jennifer Filardo, Whitney Ogren and Anders Lillquist, Magnus and Henry Lillquist; siblings, Ardis Norenberg, Darrel and David Lillquist; three great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews including Renee Lukkason and Steve Lillquist who considered him their second dad and CDR Daniel Lillquist and Brenda Rubash who helped keep him on the farm in his old age. He was preceded in death by brothers Gordon and Harland; wives, Bev and Neen and beloved son David Arthur.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, October 13, 2019, at Guthrie Town Hall/Community Center for family and close friends. Burial will be at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery with full honors on 10:15 a.m., October 15, 2019. In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to “Ye Olde School Grounds” (Guthrie Town Hall).

Guestbook at www.OlsonSchwartzFuneralHome.com

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