"Your humor and laughter will be greatly missed, but you will never be forgotten. We will always cherish the memories of yours and Bethel's visits to Arizona."
In loving memory of
DONALD P. NYQUIST
June 18, 1940 - January 6, 2008
Donald P. Nyquist, 67, of 131 East Johnson Lake Road, Gwinn, died Sunday morning, January 6, 2008 at Marquette General Hospital.
Mr. Nyquist was born on June 18, 1940 in Ishpeming to the late Donald Oscar and Phyllis (Atwell) Nyquist. A 1958 graduate of Gwinn High School, Don played in the high school band.
After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Marines serving from 1959 through 1963. While in the Marines, Don played in the Marine Corp. Band.
On December 24, 1961, he married the former Bethel Nordeen in Sedona, Arizona.
Don was the owner and president of Nyquist Oil Company from 1974 to March 15, 2001 when he retired, selling the business to his son, Scott. The business was started in 1937 by Don’s father, Donald Oscar Nyquist as the local Standard Oil affiliate. Don built the Kountry Korner in 1982 in Gwinn and later acquired the Crossroads Mini-Mart in 1985.
Don was a member of Gwinn United Methodist Church, was a proud former volunteer with the Gwinn Voluntary Fire Department and was also a passionate classic car buff.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Bethel Nyquist of Gwinn; four children, Kim (Calvin) Baumann of Parker, TX, Scott (Gigi) Nyquist, Bruce (Liz) Nyquist and Beth (Cesar) Guevara, all of Gwinn; eight grandchildren, Bryan and Brittany Baumann, Derek and Tori Nyquist, Justin and Bailey Nyquist, Mariah and Isaiah Guevara; his step-mother, Lois Nyquist of Gwinn; one brother, James Galen (Mickie) Nyquist of West Branch, MI and their sons, Matthew, Phillip and Steven Nyquist; a brother-in-law, Tom (Sandy) Nordeen of Wayne, MI and their daughters, Kelly Nordeen and Sara (Clint) Nemeth. Preceding him in death besides his parents was a brother, Gary Warren Nyquist.
Visitation will take place on Friday from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Gwinn United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held in the church at 3 p.m. Friday with the Rev. Geri Hamlen officiating. Spring burial will take place in the Gwinn Cemetery.
A luncheon will immediately follow the service in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Gwinn United Methodist Church, 251 W. Jasper, Gwinn, MI 49841 in Mr. Nyquist’s memory.
Tributes
"Bethel & family, We are so sorry to hear of Don's passing. Through out the years he was always there for my family, as were all of you. He will be deeply missed by all. You are so very special to me. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May memories come to serve as a great comfort for each of you."
"Our deepest sympathy for your tremendous loss. We will never forget his kindness, his wonderful sense of humor and the great times we all had together."
"We are currently in MN visiting our daughter Tonya who had a new baby boy Wyatt on Jan. 31. Our hearts go out to you and your family in this time of sorrow. Hope this finds all your family helping each other at this sad time."
"Dear Bethel & Family, eventhough we haven't been to the UP in a number of years we always thought about the Nyquist's family all cozy in that Winter Wonderland. Dick will always remember his time spent at the deer camp and Donny's wonderful jokes. Those were good times! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Fondly, Dick and Pat, Trolls in Roseville."
"Bethel,Scott,Beth,Bruce,Kim, and families, Our deepest sympathy goes out to each one of you during this very hard time in your lives, We saw Don this summer at a car show, while we were up to michigan with the passing of my father,Don will be missed by so many, he was really a wonderful person, and I enjoyed working for him at both his store's.All our thoughts and prayers are with you all. My God be with you through the following days. deepest sympathy, Debbie and Dave niemi"
"Scott and all the Nyquist Family, My condolences to you all. I know what a trying time this is. Don had a great sense of humor and was a dedicated person to all he loved and touched. I enjoyed playing pool against him when he used to shoot leagues and I spent some time with him on several fires doing mutual aid with Sands twp. He will be truly missed by all"
"Bethel and Family: Our heart-felt condolences go out to you. "Don is a wonderful man" was a common description we have heard during our visits to Gwinn and our camp on Little Shag Lake. He must have had hundreds of friends and acquaintances. He will truly be missed."
"Dear Scott, Gigi, and Nyquist family: I did not know Don personally, but I do know and understand the pain that you are going through at this time, having lost both my father and father-in-law. There will always be the sense of loss but with God's help and guidence He will see you through the dark days. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Bethel, Kim, Scott, Bruce, and Beth Ann. Words cannot describe the feeling that Shar and I have regarding the passing of your husband and father. We have great memories of Don, going back 50 years. You could always count on Don if you needed help with anything, and he would help with a smile on his face. I spent several deer seasons at my dad's camp and Don's camp telling storys of the past. My dad 'Humdinger' would love to go the to Nyquist camp and spend time with Don and his sons. May God be with you at this very difficult time all all of your lives. Love, Carl & Shar"
"Dear Bethel, Scott, & the rest of the Nyquist family. My sincere condolences to you all on the loss of your husband and father. Don was always so nice and friendly no wonder he was so successful - everyone liked him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Gary Rautio"
"Dear Kim,Cal,Bryan,Brittany & The Nyquist Family, May all those Warm and Wonderful Memories of your Dad that you shared with us over the years, Help comfort you. We soo wish we could be up there with you at this most difficult time. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you. ~Hugs~ AK"
"Words cannot express how sorry I am to hear of Don's passing. I have so many fond memories of the time I spent with your family as a child. I was truly blessed to have you as my godparents. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers."
"BETHEL AND FAMILIES, PLEASE ACCEPT OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES. WE WILL MISS DONS JOKES, HIS HUGE SMILE AND HIS LAUGHTER. COFFEE SHOP WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WHEN HIS TRUCK DOES NOT PULL UP. SURE HOPE HE STAYS AWAY FROM ROOM 222 (Dons famous joke)GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU LOVE AND PRAYERS Al AND GERT GOCHANOUR"
"Bethel, Kim, Scott, Bruce Beth and families, You all are a testiment to Donny's success as a husband, father and grandfather. I know you have wonderful memories that will be of great comfort as you help each other through this tough time. I cherish memories of spending time with Don/Dad at firemen's tournaments (Bethel, remember our great accomodations in Iron River?) and remember well watching him drag that fuel oil hose through snow drifts when I was a kid back in the 60s. He was a great asset to our community and his good works live on through you. All of my best to each of you in this difficult time."
"To Don's family, Our prays go out to all of you at this trying time. Being in the fire dept. with Don. was a very happy time for me, I always will remeber him as a true friend."
"Bethel and all your family - Maury and I have you and yours in prayer. We have great memories of being with you and Don. Don was a special guy, especially when my mother wanted his truck! You can be very proud of the family you and Don raised. The Lord is with you, especially in this heart breaking time for all of you. Wish we could be there. Sally (Nordeen) and Maury Morin"
"Behtel and Family- You have shown us all the love and strength of raising a GREAT close family! You are all in our thoughts and prayers and wish you HIS peace during this tough time! As he became known to us....."Grandpa Nyquist"...will be missed by us!"
"Scott and the rest of the Nyquist family, Most of you will not know me, but I knew Don and will sorely miss the time we spent together each November. My Dad and I and the rest of the family will pray for all of you, and we are truly sorry for your loss. Semper Fi Scotty. Ed Sullivan, Big Ed, Joe, and the rest of the crew at Sullivan's Camp."
"Bethel, Kim, Scott, Bruce, Beth, and families, Donnie/dad was a man with a gentle way about him. He was always cheerful and kind hearted. How we will miss the boat rides around the lake. Thanks, Bethel for taking such good care of him. We will uphold you all in prayer as you journey through this difficult time. May you sense the Lord's presence in your grief. Love you all and wish we could be there."
"We miss him already! Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Just remember, God only takes the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"Bethel We were so sorry to hear of your great loss, please pass our Sympath on to the family. God Bless all of you in your time of sorrow, you are all in our prayers. Pat & Diana Mills"
"Mrs. Nyquist and family, My thoughts & prayers are with you all. I had the pleasure of knowing Don over the years at the doctors office. He was a great way of starting our morning. He was always so pleasant,cheerful and full of laughter. He will deeply be missed."
"We were saddened by the news of Don's passing. Over the years we have appreciated the sense of community that our family has enjoyed with the greater Nordeen family and the occasional opportunity to share time with you all. Our heart felt condolence goes out to all of you at this time. Alan Johnson, Mary Jane Klarich, Grant Johnson, & Hannah Johnson (Ture Johnson / Esther Sundberg / Frans Johan Julius Sundberg)"
"To Bethel and family, Frank and I were very saddened at the news of Don's passing.I know what a hard time this is for you. I believe that our loved ones stay with us in our hearts and mind,and that a part of their spirit is close by. I find comfort in believing that we will see them again someday and then there will be only happy times. Meanwhile, remember his smile and laugh and smile back at him often...he will see it. sincerely, Mary Ellen and Frank"
"Dear Bethel, Terry called last night with the news of Donnie's passing and Doug and I are so very sorry. I regret tremendously not getting up to the UP to visit again. Donnie and you were so wonderful when my Mom died-and such a help when it came to the memorial. I will always be grateful. I feel very lucky to have so many cherished memories growing up with Donnie. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love from Jory"
"Kim, Cal, Bryan & Brittany, We are so sorry for your loss. Please know you all are in our thoughts, prayers, and hearts. May God Bless and take care of you all during this difficult time. Love, Cheryl, Brad, Alec & Jacob Rothbauer"
"Our condolences to the Nyquist family. Donald will be rememered in our prayers. Fondly, Jim & Terri Fisher"
"We will always remember Don as a warm, congenial, giving, fun-loving, caring person and all around great guy. Our hearts go out to Bethel, all the children, grandchildren and other family and friends who will miss him immensely, as we will. We are so happy that we had the chance to spend time with him at his niece's wedding in August. We will cherish the memory of Don having fun and of course, laughing heartily and often."
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this most difficult time. May God Bless each of you! The Dunfee's Bob, Sue, Jeremy and Jennifer"
"Bethel, Kim, Scott, Bruce and Beth, Words cannot express how saddened I am to learn of Donnie's passing. I am sorry to not be there for the services. Donnie's warmth, good humor and love for his family will be memories that I cherish. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Nancy"
"May you all find peace in knowing that Don is in a good place now. My deepest sympathies to all of you."
"I am so sorry to hear about your loss, Don employed me for 5 yrs. and was a very nice guy w/a great family, and I know they will miss him dearly.......love & prayers"
"Dear Bethel, I have so many happy memories of Donnie when he was a kid...our families had great times at your camp and for holiday events.And later when Don joined the Fire Dept,you both were there to welcome us...we so enjoyed getting together...he always had a smile, a little quip or a funny story...we'll miss him so! May the happy memories bring you comfort-and smiles-as they will us. Love, Chris & Don"
"To the entire Nyquist family: We were saddened to hear of the passing of Don. He was one of the first people I met when we moved to Gwinn 14 years ago. In that time I cannot remember ever meeting Don that he did not have a smile on his face! I remember too, the day that we both had knee replacements, me first & Don immediately following. After that, when he or I had to go for a walk, we of course went to each others room!! Bethel, he was a special person & he will be missed. You have our condolences on his passing. God grant him peace and from now on he shall bear none of the pain of the past. God Bless him, and you. Take solace in knowing how much he meant to so-o-o many people. Peace and Love, Jim and Jackie Wheeler"
"I'll miss the long talks Don and I used to have once in awhile. He was a good friend and has a loving family that has the support of the town. He is at peace now and looking down upon us all from above sitting next to Jesus Christ and my son Jason. We will see them again in time. May God bless you and take you under his wing and guide you through the rest of your time on earth. Bye Don. Jeff & Joanna Wenstrand."
"Dear Bethel and Family, We cannot tell you how sorry we were to hear of Donnies passing.You both have been great each time we've come up. He will be greatly missed on our next visit but hope to see you soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family. Love, Rosan and John"
"Bethel and family - We are unfortunately out of town and unable to attend Donnie's funeral. Please accept our sincere sorrow on his death. He always had a ready smile for everyone, no matter when you saw him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mike and Ruth Forgette"
"Dear Bethel and family,We don"t get the paper regularly and missed the announcements of Dons passing.He was in our prayers daily and more.We definitely will keep all of you in our thoughts these coming days.If we can help lessen the sadness beyond prayer we will.I loved Dons energy and dedication.His example of his involvement for the good of Gwinn has not gone unnoticed.Thank you both for your great examples!Sincerely in Jesus,Bill and Di Kosa."
"Dear Bethel and Family; I was so sorry to learn of the passing of Donald. May God strengthen and console you in this difficult time. our thoughts and prayers are with you. Glenn & Carol Kaijala"
"My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Nyquist Family. Marie Martonen"
"The Fox Valley Early Birds car club extends their deepest sympathy to Bethel and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you."
"Nyquist Family This is truely a loss for the family, the community and all the friends that have been established over the years.We send our sympathy and prayers to all for this loss of a great man and friend. For those of us who share our second homes at camp it will truely be a big loss this season and the years to come. Bethel, Kay and I can only grieve with you and the family. BRUCE AND KAY SUARDINI"
"Beth, Bruce(and Family), I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I just wanted you to know you have been in my thoughts and prayers."
"I will miss you Uncle Don. It was wonderful to see everyone again this weekend. My thoughts are with you all! Love, Kelli"
"Bethel and family, You all are still in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless each of you. Love, Bonnie and Willie"
"I'm sorry for your loss.I have not seen or talked to "Cousin Donnie"(as I remember him) in many, many years. But I still have fond memories from my families visits to Mi. and the lake cottage. My name Steven, my mother was Shirley Jean Nyquist, sister of Don, Mel and Gerri Again, sorry to hear of your loss. God Bless"
"To the Nyquist Family, We are deeply saddend to hear of your loss. You will be in all of our thoughts and prayers. The John Aird Family"
"We are very sorry for you loss."
"Bethel, Scott and family, I apologize for the delay in condolences on the passing of Don. You have all been in our prayers daily. Don was a wonderful, giving, and caring man. He was always there for us when I worked for him as well as my father. He will always be remembered and we will miss his bright, smiling face. He touched everyone he met. May God be with you all and know that he is in heaven with our Lord. We will see him again. Regards, Mike, Vicki, David, & Mikey Sirois"