Donald G. Quest, 93, of Beaver Dam, WI passed away on Monday, February 16, 2015 at home, peacefully in his sleep.
Don was born May 12, 1921 in Jerome, Idaho, to Mark and Helen Quest. When Don was three, they moved to a farm outside of Johnson Creek, WI. He went to school in Jefferson and later attended agricultural classes in Ft. Atkinson, where he obtained a lot of knowledge. He served in the United States Army in the 125th Field Artillery Division.
On March 2, 1943, he married Helen Thoma in Richwood, WI. He and Helen farmed in Mud Lake until they bought a dairy farm on Quest Road near Clyman, WI. Together, Don and Helen became parents of 11 children. In 1962, the family moved to Grand Junction, CO, where they continued dairy farming until 1973. At that time, Don and Helen and their younger children moved to Anchorage, AK, where they established the MagiClean carpet cleaning business. On their property in Chickaloon, AK, he and family built four log cabins, which became a source of enjoyment and relaxation for Don and Helen, their family and countless friends. The Quests traveled extensively and enjoyed a vacation home in Hawaii for many years. In 2014, Don moved from Alaska to live with his daughter, Carol, and sons in Beaver Dam. Don was an entrepreneur, an adventurer and a seeker of knowledge. Wherever he spent time, he learned of the culture and the history of the region.
Survivors include his children Carol Kocher of Beaver Dam, WI, James Quest (Rosila) Anchorage, AK, Ronald Quest (Joan) of Cedaredge, CO, Susan Garner, Anchorage, AK, Edward Quest (Pam) Pipe Creek, TX, Eva Quest of Watertown, WI, Joseph Quest (Rhea) of Loma, CO, Helen Kinsey, Anchorage, AK, Kristine Paeth (David) Anchorage, AK, and David Quest, Eugene, OR; grandchildren, Donald and Edward Kocher, Kim Quest and James D. Quest, Russell and Matthew Quest, Michael and Christopher Garner, Joseph Cline, Patrick Quest, Misty Diemer, Amber Hill, Jason and Jamie Paeth, Tarren Quest, Janelle Gibson and Brandon Quest; 19 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Mary Korth and Laurie Williams.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, wife Helen, son Thomas, grandson Gregory Quest and great-grandson Devin Cline, brothers Gerald, Robert, Charles and Irving, sisters-in-law Florence Riedl and Betty Quest, sons-in-law Roy “Buzz” Kinsey and Robert “Bob” Kocher.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Don will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. (NOON) at St. Katharine Drexel Parish, 511 S. Spring St., Beaver Dam with Fr. Erick Cassiano as Celebrant. Visitation will be held prior to the mass at church, beginning at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon will be served immediately following the mass at Mission Hall. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Grand Junction, CO.
Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family. You may send private online condolences or sign the family’s guest book at www.cstonefs.com
