Harold G. Wahlquist

Harold G. "Harry" Wahlquist, age 85, died peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, July 19th, 2024 after a tenacious 18-month fight against pancreatic cancer. Our faith in Jesus comforts us with the assurance that we will see him again in heaven. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Harry was the youngest of three children in the family of Dr. and Mrs. Harold F. Wahlquist. A graduate of Washburn High School in Mpls, Harry enrolled at Carleton College in Northfield, MN where he soon met and then married the love of his life, Maryalice (Mabs) Borman after graduating in 1960. Together in Edina, MN for over 60 years, they parented their four children with love, devotion, Christian-based learning, and the importance of family in one's life journey. As a family and as a couple, Harry and Mabs traveled extensively for both business and pleasure, spending summers at the lake in Annandale, MN and winter escapes in Palm Desert, CA. Vocationally, Harry was a tireless advocate for community banking. He spent the last 30-plus years growing the Star Bank organization he founded as The Bank That Cares™ which currently consists of 11 branches in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota. Prior to his successes with Star Bank, he spent the better part of 30 years as a correspondent banker with Minneapolis-based Northwestern National Bank. He loved the art of making a deal and serving his customers in ways that truly made a difference for their dreams to come true. When reflecting on Harry's banking career, some describe him as having "legendary" status. He also served in voluntary leadership roles with BankIn Minnesota, the Bank Holding Company Association, and was active with the Independent Community Bankers of America. As a youngster Harry enjoyed many summer YMCA camp experiences, playing football and hockey, and having adventurous summertime fun at the lake. Hunting pheasants and waterfowl in the Delta Marsh, South Dakota, and Morris, MN and all of the accompanying camaraderie was a passion shared with many friends for most of his adult life and especially son Andy for more than 40 years. Occasional fishing trips up north, cheering on the MN North Stars when they were in town, and being a devoted MN Vikings season ticket holder were also considered time well spent with friends and family. As a parent and grandparent, he always made time to attend events and activities, and could be found in the bleachers or on the field cheering for his favorites (and yelling at the refs!), and frequently served as an assistant coach or in other roles in local youth sports and activities. His legacy of service for many years with the American Red Cross is continuing into the 4th generation of the Wahlquist family. His presence and kind-hearted spirit will be forever missed, and he lives on through the lives he influenced and changed because of who he was. Harry is survived by sons, Kip Wahlquist (Deb), Charlie Wahlquist (Melanie), and Andy Wahlquist (Kelly); daughter, Katie Wahlquist; grandchildren, Jennifer Johnson (Joel), Kimberly Ward (Jesse), Benjamin Wahlquist (Jordie), Jonathan Wahlquist (Taite), Taylor Johnson (Brandon), Cydney Mayes (Emma), Annika Wahlquist, Alannah Wawracz (Eli), and Myles Wahlquist; sister, Lois Husbands; brother-in-law, Ted Borman (Pam); his eight (soon to be ten) great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends and esteemed business colleagues. Harry was preceded in death by his loving wife, Maryalice; parents, Dr. Harold F. and Margaret Wahlquist; sister, Marian Wahlquist Asp; brother-in-law, Raymond Asp; and brother-in-law. Joseph D. Husbands, Jr. The entire Wahlquist family is indebted to son Charlie and daughter Katie for their devotion, support and advocacy for Harry's battle against cancer, and to daughter-in-law Kelly and granddaughter Annika for providing Harry with much love, attention, and care during his last days and brief hospitalization. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, August 24, at Grace Church Eden Prairie Chapel, 9301 Eden Prairie Rd. Visitation one hour prior. Enter door #2. For those who are unable to attend in person, a livestream of the service will be available at grace.church/harrywahlquist. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the American Red Cross, 1201 W. River Parkway, Attn: Kelly Glass, Minneapolis, MN 55454 or redcross.org, or a charity of your choice.

Tributes

Harold G. Wahlquist

October 23, 1938 - July 19, 2024

Tributes

Harold G. Wahlquist

October 23, 1938 - July 19, 2024

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