Robert Tornquist

Robert W. Tornquist, 93, of New Windsor, IL, died Wednesday, February 28, 2018, at Seminary Manor in Galesburg. Services are 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 5, 2018 at Calvary Lutheran Church in New Windsor. Burial is in the Hopewell Cemetery, rural New Windsor. Visitation is 2-6 p.m. Sunday, March 4, 2018, at Calvary Lutheran Church where memorials may be left to Calvary Lutheran Church, New Windsor Fire Department or Tri-County Ambulance. Peterson-Wallin-Knox Funeral Home in Alpha is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.petersonwallinknox.com.

He was born September 14, 1924, in Rio, IL, to William and Sadie Johnson Tornquist. He graduated from New Windsor High School in 1943. Robert was united in marriage to Roma Jean Eckley on February 10, 1952, in Toulon, IL. She died February 12, 1999.

Robert was a lifelong farmer in the New Windsor area. He was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church where he served on the church council and the cemetery board. He was a member of the Moline Vikings Club and Mercer County Farm Bureau.

Robert’s smile and laughter were contagious. If he met a stranger, they left as friends. He enjoyed following his grandchildrens’ activities and in recent years, his favorite pastime was mowing and visiting with family and friends. His life was a simple one: farm, family, friends and faith. Many said he was the kind of guy you would model your living standard after.

He is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law: Nancy and Dave Richardson of Viola, IL; Barbara and Tom Streeter of New Windsor, IL; 3 granddaughters: Jacque (Darrin) Hansing of Normal, IL; Betsy (Joel) Hirschfeld of Muscatine, IA; Emily Streeter of Chicago, IL; 4 great grandchildren: Stephanie, Nathan, Kayla and Will; one brother: Dale Tornquist of New Windsor, IL; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

His parents, wife, and two sisters, Margaret Peterson and Sarah Hill, preceded him in death.