I had the pleasure of having Mr. Lundquist as a High School English teacher. Mr. Lundquist was more than a teacher. His generosity and care for others was inspiring. I remember how he would offer bell ringing for the Salvation Army as extra credit and randomly taking his classes on field trips to learn about the history of our small town like the horse, Single G. I remember one time I was late to school because I had gotten pulled over coming in to Pershing when the speed dropped to 30 all of a sudden and he asked me why I was late, laughed, and marked it as excused. I also remember how he encouraged my love for writing and even had short story I wrote published in a book once. In that short story I couldn’t think of a word for not being able to understand and I put un-understandable and he introduced me to the word indiscernible and I’ve never forgotten how he encouraged me so kindly without criticizing. He also let me visit with our guidance counselor as needed without question when he could tell I could use someone to talk to. Mr. Lunquist, much like his braided beard and school spirit, is a legend that will forever live on in my heart. I am so sad he’s gone but I’m glad he’s at peace. Thank you for those happy years in high school. You will be missed by so many! 

Like a lot of people in Wayne County,  Mr. L was my English teacher.  And like most everyone else, he didn't just teach me about English, he taught me about life. I specifically remember one lesson that seemed kinda out of left field. We were discussing the book "Watership Down." I had seen the cartoon years before but never really paid much attention to the actually story. He talked about how the author made a conscious decision to write it from the perspective of the rabbits. Even going so far as to create a language with various words that we don't use. He equated it to the Greek language, in that some words had such profound meaning that it could take an entire paragraph to relay the intent of the word. So the conversation continued and we were discussing the final chapter. And in typical Mr. L fashion, he starts to get more and more excited in reading until he finally uttered the phrase, "Silflay hraku, u embleer rah!" and I just sat there for a second and thought, "Did this book just build up for the sole purpose of one rabbit telling another to "eat crap"?! Although I liked the animated movie, there were portions of the book I enjoyed but ultimately it left me a little disappointed at the end. And therein lies his lesson:  A good story takes time to set up and the crescendo may not look like you expected, but that doesn't detract from what you went through to get there. Every story is worth telling.  Never assume you know how it's going to end. Just enjoy the journey. 

So while we mourn the loss of someone that inspired many, the lessons learned and conversations had are not lost in the grief. 

You had a heck of a journey,  Mr. L. 

Glad I could be a part of it. 

When I was young Dave was my best friends dad. We lived in the same neighborhood and he built very nice tree house for us kids to hang out in. (Probably he mostly wanted us out of the house lol).  I can still hear his loud voice yelling MATT!!!! in the middle of the night when he figured out we were running the neighborhood instead of staying in the tree house. He was a great man and always had a funny story to tell. He will be missed by his family and a lot of others who s lives  he touched through out the years. 

He was an amazing teacher he was so  much fun 

Every year David would remind his students, and especially his honors students, “To whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48).” If you were blessed with talents, time, or money, Dave urged you to share those blessings to benefit others. He saw it as one’s duty and a primary purpose in life. Dave lived by this motto, lending his talents to so many people and causes and making his corner of the world a little brighter. I’ve never forgotten the quote, the obligation, or his example.  I’m sure many others can say the same. 

This man was a huge impact on my life. The best teacher who always met you where you were at and gave you what you needed. He challenged me one summer to read To Kill a Mockingbird and it made an impact on me that I'll never be able to explain. Thanks Mr. L. Join me in making a gift to his legacy. ❤️

Mr L was the most inspirational teacher I’ve ever had in my life. I clearly remember doing “memorizations” every 6 weeks. One time I did all 18 stanzas of The Raven,(overachiever much?) but mostly it was the ornery bits from Monty Python’s Flying Circus. And we did them live in front of the class for “extra credit”. I don’t mean any disrespect, but one skit stands out: The Dead Parrot. “This parrot IS NO MORE! It has ceased to be, it is EXPIRED, and GONE TO MEET IT’S MAKER!” 

“I guess I’d better replace it then…”

It was his sense of humor that inspired me most, and for THAT I am forever grateful. Godspeed Man! I’ll see you on the other side!

Mr. Lundquist was one of my favorite teachers and I had the pleasure of taking two classes with him. There are many fond memories I have of the many stories he always told. He taught us English, but he also taught us about life and finding meaning.  I remember how he always would take us on a walk around the park and would teach us about some of the history of the western Wayne community. Every year when we would get to the water he would ask us if we knew how to make carp taste good. He would tell you to go get a corn husk, smear manure on it, wrap the husk around the carp, bake it for 30 minutes, then eat the husk and manure because nothing made carp taste good. I went on one of his graveyard tours as well one time. But another thing I’ll always be ever grateful for is my senior year Mr. Lundquist banded together with some other teachers and purchases me a senior yearbook. He did not want me to go without and wanted me to be able to look back and cherish the memories documented inside. His kindness, laughter, and bright mind will never be replaced! 

The first time I met David was at a play for his granddaughter, Evelyn.  I was a bit nervous as I was meeting Jons parents for the first time.  David walked right up to me with a huge smile and said “so what’s your story,  Alexa?” He was warm and disarming and instantly put me at ease.  

David enjoyed meeting people. He was someone who sincerely was interested in hearing your story.  As we watched the play in a small elementary school gymnasium he was definitely the loudest person there, cheering on his granddaughter and yelling out that she “Nailed it!” 

He was not a quiet man and I liked him that way. He always had a story to share and would talk about different characters from his life often. His friends, colleagues, and students mattered to him. People mattered to him. He had a great sense of humor and a great laugh to go with it. 

He was incredibly generous and would shove money in your pocket for gas any chance he could get.  Just like a good dad does. He tipped big. He laughed big. He loved big. He showed up. He always showed up for his kids and grandkids. 

He will be greatly missed but I see so much of him in Jon and his siblings that it feels like he is still very much alive. 

His legacy lives on in his children, grandchildren, students, friends and family. We are all so lucky to have known him. 

Awesome friend and mentor truly deeply missed

I had Mr. Lundquist for my jr and Sr english classes at Lincoln in 1977 and 1978. He was a great teacher. He always encourged me in my writing and told me I had talent and to never give up on my writing and I haven't. I have had 2 poems published  and I was blessed to have him as a teacher and glad he always believed in me. I often thought of him over the years and always loved and respected him. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten

I had him as a teacher and he was amazing and funny and the best teacher ever you will be greatly missed 

I never had Mr.Lundquist as an actual teacher,but I had him as a substitute. He always brought joy when he would walk into the classroom and always had amazing lessons to teach! He will be missed greatly! 

I was in one of the first classes Dave taught in his first year at Lincoln High School. It is no secret that he was an amazing teacher, philosopher and friend. I still carry the lessons he taught, both in and out of the classroom, throughout my life today.
There will be hundreds of stories told of how Dave touched someone’s life, all having the most personal and lifelong impact in the teller’s life. Mine is no different.
For me, Dave was instrumental in helping my wife and I adopt our son, a son whom he would later share his wisdom with as well.
But the one story that stands out goes back several years ago during Christmas time and Dave was ring a Salvation Army bell outside of the local Walmart. It was bitter cold and snowing. Everyone, including me, was in a rush and focused to get their last minute gifts. As I walked into Walmart, lost in my own thoughts, I heard the bell ringer quietly singing God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. You could barely hear him, unless you were paying attention. He wasn’t singing just for me. I’m not sure he was singing for anyone in particular. He was singing to make the experience of life that day better for everyone. Quintessential Dave.
The understated point from my 50 years with Dave, was that you had to pay attention or you would miss the best life has to offer. He was an amazing tour guide for life.

I drove into town on Friday, May 3rd, the day we put him under hospice care. Over the next week, I spent hours and hours by his side and in his room with our original family of 5. We laughed, cried, reminisced and, of course, played music. Once, I was playing a song about the radiance of the glory of God, and at the end he said, "That's pretty." This was when he was mostly unresponsive. On Wednesday, May 8th, Mom and I left the nursing home as we had the past several nights, thinking "Surely, he won't make it through the night." And that night, soon after midnight, with both of my brothers next to him, he transitioned to his eternal home.

(from Dustin Robinson's Facebook post) My heart is heavy this morning, as I found out a former colleague/friend had passed away.

I still remember sitting in Lumpy's Cafe across from David Lundquist having breakfast with him and Gary Geyer drinking coffee, and just having him speak life into me. He had an amazing gift being able to pull you in with his contagious smile, warming personality, and just overall interest in the person you were.

While I never had him as a teacher, I can only imagine having the opportunity to do so. The impact, the intrigue, and the interest it would bring my heart to be a fly on that wall.

As a teacher, I can only dream of leaving such a legacy behind. Prayers go out to his family and close friends during this time. Until we meet again, friend...

(from Kerry Blankenship's Facebook post) David Lundquist was a teacher like no other I’ve had. The energy he brought to his classroom was something singular — he made it clear that he believed you had great things to give, and it was easy to want to meet that expectation, just because of who he was. He wrote a recommendation that I’m confident single-handedly earned me the scholarship it was for, and he gave me a compliment that has always stayed with me: “Enjoys learning for the sake of learning.”

His legacy will be bigger than his personality, and that’s saying something.

(from KC's Facebook post) David Lundquist has been part of my life for over 35 years, and although he was never formally my teacher I learned so much about what it means to be a decent human being by just being in his presence. Matt Lundquist & Jon Lundquist graciously let me be a bonus sibling as I was often a chauffeur for this thing or that.

When I started my career in teaching over twenty years ago, Dave wrote me a letter of recommendation. I had subbed for him many times, and I saw first had what an impact he had on the community. He fed kids pancakes during summer school, rang bells alongside the Key Club for the Salvation Army, attended all the school functions, and much more.

As a personal friend, we traveled to Matt’s shows, camped out under the open skies, sailed with our mutual friend Doug Arthur, traced the early canal systems of Indiana. He told me stories about my own family I never knew. We made years of memories together, and I treasure all the lessons and stories along the way.

Honor his memory by serving your community & family because he was truly an amazing person who touched so many of us.

(from Amy Bex's Facebook post) I went along in the Spring of 2000. David Lundquist took the National Honor Society to Chicago. Dave always talked about his Chicago area upbringing with pride AND impressed upon his students that lots of money wasn't necessary to travel and experience new places.

So naturally we loaded on a bus, drove to the suburbs, rolled up to one of his relative's homes and slept on their floor! Girls in one room. Boys in another.

We're all adults now....can you imagine a bus pulling up to the curb so 24 strangers can sleep in your house?!?

From Saturday School flapjacks to making NHS trips a reality and everything in between...he will be missed.

(from Justin Browning's Facebook post) Even though we may have shown teenage angst (and, possibly acted like we didn’t care for the structure and life lessons our parental units tried to set an example for us), my closest set of friends and I had the utmost respect for our parents. Especially the ones who showed an interest in what we were interested in. In certain respect, some of our fathers even became part of our “clique” as we matured into adulthood. None were more involved in what their kids were into as much as David Lundquist. Even before we matured and showed outward respect for our elders he made sure we had opportunities to do what we had passions for. I am mostly referring to playing music. Dave would set up gigs for his boys to get experience playing in front of groups of people! And, for the rest of us, whether we had the money in our pocket or not, he would pick up the cover charge at the door to ensure we had a chance to be a part of the experience! Every damn time! None of us had him as an educator. Yet, I know he made a difference in the youth from Cambridge City Lincoln High School as he devoted his professional life to instruction of the English language there for decades! No matter the life situation he always provided sound advice to anyone who confided in him!

Thank you Dave for creating a ripple in still water that turned into a wave! Now, as the water calms (and seemingly becomes still again with your passing), know that many ripples shall appear on that water by all of the lives you have made difference in as the the knowledge and experience you provided through the years actualizes.

To be honest, I was never even sure if Dave actually even liked me. Yet, I felt as though he respected me either way. And, even without instruction, that may have been the greatest lesson he could have taught me. Whether it was with intention or not. Thank you for that! Much love to the Lundquist fam! So much love…

(from a retirement card for Dad in 2012)  A couple of things I will never forget about Mr. Lundquist: One day in class, he shared some candy with us. I can't remember what the candy was exactly, but I do remember him telling us how to eat them. His description made me realize that he took the time to appreciate that small morsel, enough to decide the best way to devour the delicious treat. 

Also, I discovered why he enjoyed English and Literature... the descriptions of small sensations and how they can affect you emotionally and physically. To this day, I still find myself thinking about him when I pop an M&M into my mouth. "First, you let the shell melt in your mouth. And then you whirl the chocolate around in your mouth until it becomes half of its original size. Then you smooth the rest over your tongue and enjoy that way..." You get the picture.

Also, how he could recite The Raven by heart. Great accomplishment.

--Lindsay Gerlach

Dear Mr. Lundquist,

Actually, my best memory of you was my first day of high school in your Study Hall class. When you were taking roll call, you said , and I quote, "Donna Hancock *pause* Oh man....... PLEASE tell me you are the last of the Hancocks! That makes, what, 10 of you??" LOL, you cracked me up and you are awesome!

Donna Hancock

Mr. Lundquist!

Thank you for always caring about the well-being of all your students! And a special thank you for always feeding my pregnant self during our first period English class! I know I appreciated those cookies as much as Kenzie did, ha ha! You are such a great role model and it’s very sad to see you leave! Good luck with all the future may bring your way!

Ashley Clark

Mr. Lundquist,

I think I only had one class with you, but the one memory I remember of you was outside of class. It was winter and for Key Club, Clayton Suttles and I were outside of Village Pantry ringing bells for the Salvation Army. You came by, donated money, and bought Clayton and me a hot chocolate. You are such a generous person. I do also remember your coffee and how wonderful it smelled.

Deanna (Masters) Alexander

Mr. Lundquist,

I loved how you taught life lessons. To this day when someone is telling me something they have already told me I can hear your voice in my head saying "Don't tell them you've heard it before, give them their dignity." You are so kind. Another thing that sticks with me is how you tried to get everyone involved in school functions, especially the dances after football/basketball games. Every Friday that Lincoln had a home game, you would say in class, "Don't forget the dance tonight. If you can't afford it, I'll make sure you get in."

Melissa Ragen Soper

(from a retirement card for Dad in 2012)  At first, when I found out that there was going to be something dedicated to you, I didn’t think that I could put anything into words that would be eloquent enough to include. I thought that I would just pass on this project, because surely there would be a lot of people who have heartfelt things to say. I was afraid that would overpower any small memory I may be able to add. But after I thought about it, I realized that you are the type of person that would appreciate any memory someone could add about you.

"People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel."—Dr. Thomas L. Garthwaite. You made me feel appreciated as an individual. I could tell that you wanted each person whose life you touched—whether it was a student you taught or a stranger you passed—to know that they were important.

I know that you believe in the inherent goodness of people. I don’t know if I believe in the inherent goodness of all people, but there are a few people who have touched my life and I know they are inherently good. You are one of them…maybe the person who has shown me that the most.

What did you call that cheer for the Marching Band shows? The 100 second cheer? You made it to every possible band event. You talked about band and the importance of music and music education in class. Thank you for showing us that passion and for coming to support us. We expect the music department and parents to show up, but it’s different when it someone who isn’t obligated…you came because you wanted to. Thank you.

You taught (not just talked about, but taught) philanthropy. You donated so much time and energy to people who couldn’t do things for themselves. Was it coffee and donuts you brought us when we volunteered to ring the bells for The Salvation Army?

You struck my interest in the Gideons and other “underground organizations”. I think one of the reasons I like them is because they stress looking deeper into ourselves without requiring members to adhere to a certain faith.

You showed me that not all Christians are the gossipy churchgoers I’ve been exposed to. Some people just strive to be better.

You are honest. Some people hide behind lies, but you taught us that if you commit to treating others the way you want to be treated you don’t have anything to hide.

I think the first 9th grade lesson was situation ethics. I haven’t come to the same conclusion as you have, but I have made an informed decision on the subject and I know that’s the reason for the lesson. This is a topic I introduce to people often…not to persuade them but to give them a chance to mull over the idea, come to their own conclusion and learn more about themselves in the process.

Is it true that you gave each graduating senior who was a smoker their “last pack?” You were always up front with us about the fact that you had been a smoker and about the problems it had caused in your life. That was one of the things that instilled my belief that I would always be honest with my kids about my mistakes…so that hopefully they will learn from mine and not have to make those mistakes for themselves.

My dad remembers very few details about my school years. When I mentioned to him that you were retiring he remembered that you came to my brother’s graduation party and mine. He also remembers the time I came home and told him that my teacher guessed whether the kids in class had parents who went to college or not and I was the one he guessed wrong. I had a lot of accomplishments that I was proud of through school, but I think this was the one my dad was the most proud of. That means a lot to me.

Thank you for everything that you did for me.

Crystal Call

(from a retirement card for Dad in 2012) I’m sure it’s rare for a teacher to actually hear the difference they have made in their student’s lives. He has taught so many students over the years and has had such a positive impact on their lives’.

I have very fond memories of Mr. Lundquist. He taught us to think outside the box, especially with writing papers. I know many of those in my class were well prepared for their college English Composition classes, thanks to him! He also instilled the importance of other life lessons to all of his students, such as letting someone have their dignity. I know so many people that still talk about those lessons and how it has impacted them over the years.

I also appreciate that he took the time to write high quality recommendations for myself and countless other students. With his efforts he has helped many students in receiving significant scholarships dollars for college over the years. He truly cared about his students and their well-being.

I’ll always remember him saying “Good stuff, good stuff,” about our classroom discussions and work.

I certainly wish him the best and hope that he has a long fulfilling retirement 

Thank you!

Andrea (Haler) Stuckey

LHS Class of ‘98

(from a retirement card for Dad in 2012) Mr. Lundquist gave me the best feedback I have ever recieved on an English paper; "Good Stuff". This was back in 2004 and I still remember it! He always shared his joy through teaching and inspired me to write in my own style. So sad to hear he is done teaching, but I'm sure he will continue to fill his days with greatness. I hope he retires knowing what a fantastic individual he is!

Christina Rivers

(from a retirement card for Dad in 2012)  Mr. Lundquist, It has been years since I have seen you, but your memory crosses my mind frequently. Your passion for reading and poetry really left quite the impression on me. As I now teach my own children, I am often reminded of little bits of things that I learned from you. I still have the red three ring binder you gave me after graduation. We look through it from time to time. When I shared with my children that you helped me to polish my high school graduation speech as I share it with them, they enjoy hearing stories about you. :) You are a great teacher who gave me a deep love for poetry and taught me that it was okay to be me, and that you cared about me "no matter what everyone else said." So, as you once told me, and it took a while to really wrap my head around it, "May today be the worst day of the rest of your life." I pray for many wonderful blessings for you and your family as you retire. May God grant to you His peace and love as you enter a wonderful stage in life.

Abigail (Blankenship) Ahrens