Augustine Ahkatuk Gussie Lundquist, 78

Augustine Ahkatuk Gussie Lundquist, 78, of Kalispell, passed away on Tuesday, July 13, 2010, at her residence with her husband Franklin D. Lundquist at her side. She was born on March 3, 1932, to Raven and Alice ((Hobson) Sheldon. She was one of 15 children, which gave way to many stories to share of her childhood days growing up in Kotzabue, Alaska. Fishing, hunting and sewing were her pastimes. She and her first husband had four children. In 1964, she met Franklin Lundquist, who was stationed in the Air Force near Kotzabue, who had five children of his own. They fell in love and blended their two families into one when they united in marriage on Oct. 21, 1966, in Weldon, N.C., instantly creating a family of 11. In May of 1969, their son Brian was born. With Frank in the Air Force, they moved from North Carolina to Wisconsin, and eventually were stationed in Lakeside at the radar base. They share fond memories of their time in Lakeside, such as fishing at Flathead Lake, country drives and building strong friendships with other families in the small military community. When it came time for her husband to retire they decided to make Kalispell their home and have resided here for the last 30 years. Gussie enjoyed camping and fishing in the summer, hunting in the fall, and more fishing in the winter. She loved to wear her parka out on the lake ice fishing and was very proud of her Eskimo heritage. She sure knew how to keep warm. She will keep all who knew her warm in their hearts when they think of her and the fun times she brought to every gathering. She will be greatly missed by many. Gussie was an FOE 234 Eagle member and also an active member of the Kalispell Moose Lodge. She held several seamstress positions in Kalispell, but her first love was being out in the woods or on the water with her husband and family; camping, hunting, fishing and more fishing. Frank will be forever grateful for the kindness shown by their neighbors and the hospice nurses who came in to help him out during their time of need. Augustine was preceded in death by her daughter, Lou Laws; her grandson, Ian Lundquist; and several brothers and sisters. She is survived by her husband, Franklin D. Lundquist Sr.; and their children, Walter Laws of Michigan; Alice Bunny Biddix and husband, Ron, of Michigan; Wayde and Jerry Laws of Alaska; Judy Boudreaux of New York; Dennis Lundquist and wife Vickie, Franklin Lundquist Jr., and Gloria Day and husband Jerry, all of Wisconsin; Denise LaFrenierre of California; Brian Lundquist and wife, Lynda, of Kalispell; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 16, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery, with Pastor David Pestel officiating. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to Home Options Hospice, 430 Windward Way, Suite 101, Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Gussie s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Gussie s guest book.