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John Vinquist
JOHN VINQUIST
Cedar Rapids
John V. Vinquist, 71, of Baldwinsville, N.Y., passed away Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, after a brief battle with cancer.
John was born July 4, 1943, to E. Virgel and Verna (Holteen) Vinquist in St. Peter, Minn., where he grew up on a farm. He graduated from Clinton-ville High School in Clintonville, Wis., in 1961. He joined the Air Force that year and served in Japan until 1965 in the AFRES Division. John graduated from Michigan Technological University in 1969, with a degree in electrical engineering.
He worked in various management roles at nuclear power plants in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Sacramento, Calif., and finally at Nine Mile in Oswego, N.Y., where he retired as owner of MATS, Inc.
In retirement, he served as executive director of the Radisson Association and later on the board of directors. He also volunteered with the U.S. Power Squadron and instructed on boater safety.
John was the second vice commander of the Baldwinsville American Legion Post 113 and served on the executive committee. John was selected Legionnaire of the Year for 2014.
John and Marilyn were passionate about boating and riding their Gold Wing motorcycle. They also were very active in volunteer work and with the Baldwinsville First United Methodist Church.
John was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
John is survived by his wife of 27 years, Marilyn; a daughter, Nissa (Jason); a son, Joshua (Kelly), and their daughter, Hayden; stepdaughter, Natalie (Lew), and their children, Roxanne (Lindsey) and Cassandra; and stepson, Tom (Lori), and their daughter, Casey. He is further survived by stepgreat-grandchildren, Gavin, Owen and Ahlana; sister, Mary (Ken); and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial services were 3 p.m. Thursday at the Baldwinsville First United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's name to American Legion Post 113, 8529 Smokey Hollow Rd., Baldwinsville, NY 13027 or to the Wounded Warrior Project.
To leave a special message for the family please visit www.Newcomer Syracuse.com.
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