Obituary of Milo Quarnstrom

Milo Stefford Quarnstrom, 81, of Cambridge died unexpectedly on Sunday, May 9, 2010 at his home. He was born June 21, 1928 in Cambridge, Minnesota the third of four children born to Stefford and Dora (Ferrell) Quarnstrom. He was raised in Cambridge. Mike enlisted in the U.S. Marines Corps on March 5, 1946 and was stationed in China and in Guam during World War II. He was honorably discharged on December 30, 1947. After his military service he worked for the Cambridge Truck Line. On July 13, 1951 he was united in marriage to Wanda Kienitz at the Methodist Church in Two Harbors, Minnesota. They made their home in the Cambridge and Isanti area their entire life where they raised their seven children. Due to his passion for trucks Mike became a coast to coast semi driver for Skellet Van and Storage. During those years he was so proud to accompany the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra on their winter tour in 1956. In the middle 1950's he developed Isanti Truck Line with his good friend Ralph Olson which they operated for a number of years. After selling the business he returned to coast to coast trucking and drove for Briggs Transportation in Roseville, retiring after 25 years. After his retirement from trucking Mike worked for ECM Publishing, maintaining the newspaper delivery tubes and assisting on routes. He was employed with them up until his death. Mike was a member of the Cambridge American Legion Post #290. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and his special friend and neighbor Dr. Tom Coleman. Mike spent countless hours playing cards, which he enjoyed so much. Family always knew he'd have time for a game or two along with donuts. He had a passion for old money and coins. Grandchildren referred to him as "Beempa" or "Ho-Ho". He always had a good story or a joke to tell and could pick up his harmonica and play a polka tune by ear. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Fern Peterson, brother Willis Quarnstrom, nephew Arnell Quarnstrom, brother-in-law Donald Peterson. Mike is survived by his wife of 58 years Wanda, seven children Julie and husband Jerry Nelson, Kathy and husband Richard Smith, Jim and wife Kathy Quarnstrom, Jay Quarnstrom, Susan and husband Dale Anderson all of Cambridge, Mona and husband Les Herman of Maple Grove, Kelly and husband Jeff Lillemoen of Isanti, 14 grandchildren, Nathan Smith of Minneapolis, Natalie and husband Dave Robison of Winona, Kyle Herman of East Bethel, Summer and husband Bobby Michael of Minneapolis, Sara Herman and fiancé Andrew McKeon and his daughter Emma of Otsego, Jake and wife Marie Anderson of Minneapolis, Brian Quarnstrom of Austin, Texas and Colton Quarnstrom of Millsap, Texas, Kane Nelson, Lane, Megan and Mason Quarnstrom all of Cambridge, Grant and Gavin Lillemoen of Isanti, four great grandchildren Emily and Luke Robison, Melania and Kiera Michael, brother Arnold "Skip" and wife Diane Quarnstrom of Crystal, many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.