David Enquist

David Thomas Enquist, 80, of Rochester passed away on the morning of Sunday, September 25, 2016 after a 3 month battle with pancreatic and liver cancer. David was born in Bowbells, North Dakota, on May 20, 1936, to Mary Emiline Lambert and Carl Enquist and spent most of his growing years in Pine Island, Minnesota. He married his high school sweetheart Ruth Caroline Burton, in Pine Island, on July 11, 1956. After 43 years of marriage, Ruth Caroline, died of breast cancer on September 1, 1997. On October 18, 2000, he married Rose Ann Riess at a ceremony in Hawaii and they enjoyed 16 years together. David is preceded in death by his first wife Ruth and his mother, Mary E. Krueger. He is survived by his sister, Donna Mae Herbst of Lake City, wife, Rose Ann, his son, Tony (Terri) Enquist of Rochester, 2 grandchildren, Cassandra Narr and Evan Enquist, 3 great grandchildren, Stella, Tristan and Parker Narr, and his stepchildren, Owen Riess of Eden Prairie, Lonnie Riess of Pine Island, Julie (Steve) Peterson of Neilsville, WI, Kelly (Tom) Gehring of Wasioja, Tracy (Lori) Riess of Stewartville and 22 step grandchildren, 13 step great grandchildren and 1 step great great grandchild. David was truly blessed with so many family members who loved him very much. David proudly served in the United States Marine Corp from 1954 1957. He spent 18 months serving in Korea and Japan. He was very proud to be a veteran and an American and demonstrated his patriotism throughout his life. After his 3 years of service, David went to work at Northwest Airlines and attended Rochester Junior College during the day for general business. In February of 1962, he joined Hirman Insurors and worked in the insurance business for 42 years and retired in 2003 as a senior vice president. David loved family and to be with people. After visiting with someone, he would call them friend. His ability to converse with just about anyone was a skill that served him well in his business and the many associations and organizations which he participated in over the years. David not only wanted to be a part of an organization, in most cases he participated in leadership roles in which he contributed to their success. The list of organizations included the following: Rochester Jaycees, Sertoma Club, Elks Club (member for 53 years and served 1 year as Exalted Ruler), served one year as president and 7 years as a national board member for the Independent Agents Association of Minnesota, and a 20 year member of the Shriners. David was an exceptional woodworker and created fine furniture and special crafted pieces for children. He enjoyed card playing, telling stories, watching local and national news, reading multiple newspapers, and attending all types of the grandchildrens activities. David enjoyed traveling and entertaining family and friends in his home. The visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 28th from 5pm to 8pm at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home and also one hour prior to the service. The funeral will be held on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at 11am at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home with the Reverend Dr. Norman Wahl officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the compassionate and caring staff members from the Mayo Clinic Hospice Program, Charter House and the physicians and nurses on station 44 at Methodist Hospital who supported David and the family through his final days. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests two organizations for donations in his memory, the Soliders Field Memorial, checks made to Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial or Disabled Veterans, checks made to Disabled Veterans Charitable Service Trust. Arrangements are entrusted to Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 289-3600. To leave a special memory please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com