Mr. Merrill L. Almquist Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Merrill Almquist, of Leland and Traverse City, MI, passed away on October 21, 2013 at Saint Mary’s Hospital at the Mayo Center in Rochester, Minnesota. He was born in Elwood, Indiana on May 1, 1937, the son of Elliott and Gladys Almquist. Merrill married Beverly (Bev) Duncan on May 7, 1960. Their children are Scott (Lisa) Almquist and grandchildren Matt, Brad, and Megan of Cincinnati, Ohio, and daughter Jill (Todd) Knisley of Chicago, Illinois. Merrill was a graduate of Alexandria (Indiana) High School and General Motors Institute (Kettering University) and executive development programs at Wabash College, Harvard University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He served as a Specialist E-5 in the U.S. Army Reserve. During his 37-year career with General Motors, Merrill held executive positions at Delco-Remy Division (Anderson, IN), Oldsmobile Division (Lansing, MI), BOC Group, and GM Corporate Headquarters. At the time of his retirement in 1992, he served as Executive Director of Purchasing for the Corporation. Living in Leland, MI since retirement, Merrill was an enthusiastic contributor to many community activities. He served as Chairman of the Leland Township Fire Board, President of the Suttons Bay Rotary Club, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and President of the Foundation of the Leland United Methodist Church, and various board assignments with Share Care of Leelanau County, MI. Merrill was a renowned storyteller and a huge history buff. He was also known for his great sense of humor. He was preceded in death by his parents and eldest brother, Charles. He is survived by a brother, Don, of Atlanta, GA. Memorial services will be conducted in Leland during the summer. Memorial contributions would be welcome to Mayo Clinic, The Cowell Family Cancer Center (Traverse City, MI), Share Care of Leelanau County (MI), The Cancer Society, Hospice, or an organization of your choice. The Family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and cremation services

Mr. Merrill L. Almquist

May 1, 1937 - October 21, 2013