Obituary of John Martin Turnquist

John Martin Turnquist passed away after his battle with cancer and recovery from open heart surgery on June 2, 2025. 

John was born in Gwynne, Alberta on December 13, 1944, to Carl and Emma Turnquist. He was the Youngest of 6 children (sisters - June, Joyce, Audrey and Kay and brother Glen).  

John took his schooling close to the family farm in Gwynne and Wetaskiwin. John met Lucille Richards, and they were married in 1969, in Olds. They had 3 children, Jeff, Dean and Heather. 

John moved his growing family to Olds in 1971, where he started a job at Amerada Hess. John acquired his instrumentation ticket through much hard work and dedication, a trademark he would be known for all his life. John later joined Juggernaut Electric and shortly after, along with 3 others, formed Titan Electric and Controls, which would eventually become Flint Energy. In late 1981, John formed his own company, that would become his calling card, TQ Controls Ltd. John had an impeccable Work ethic and was always on the go. 

In 1984, John and Lucille moved to their farm in Innisfail where they resided until spring of 2025.

His smile, laugh and presence will be missed. 

John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lucille, his 3 kids; Jeff (Rhonda), Dean, Heather (Jason Cooper) and 6 grandkids; Christen, Jay, Shae-Lynn, Cassidy, Ryan and Finn. He is also survived by his sister Audrey Hauck of Botha, brother Glen (Dianne) of Sylvan Lake, brother-in-law Clarence Fenske of Stony Plain, numerous nieces and nephews, and his many friends.
 

A celebration of John’s Life will be held at the Innisfail Library (5300A 55 St Cl, Innisfail) at 2:00pm on June 20, 2025. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Diabetes Association, the Innisfail Health Centre Fundraising Committee or the Helping Hand Fund. Condolences to John’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “John Turnquist” in the subject line.

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944