John H. Tornquist, 94, of North Henderson, IL passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025 at his home.
John was born December 13,1930 in North Henderson, IL the son of Swan Harold and Anna (Schwartz) Tornquist. He attended the one room New Salem Elementary, and one year of Alexis High School. Due to health reasons, his family moved with him to Tucson, AZ where he graduated from high school in 1948.
John married Fara “Fannie” Clark in 1984 and she passed away in 2016.
Except for the three high school years in Arizona, John lived and farmed the land as a 4th generation family farmer around North Henderson. His first eleven years of his life was during the Great Depression.
He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in North Henderson, Lions Club and was a board member of the Mt. Vernon Cemetery, North Henderson.
John was a lifelong learner and avid reader and would Polka at any opportunity. He was an early convert to soil conservation farming methods and forestry practices. He was an avid trapper and hunter. He instilled the love of the land on his family and hundreds of trees and wildlife habitat has been planted and his property improved because of him.
He is survived by his stepdaughter, Cindy (Kendall) Britton of Galesburg, IL; two nephews, Donn Damos of North Henderson, IL and David Damos of Alpha, Il; niece, Karen Damos of Ingleside, IL; step grandson Patrick Losure; great nieces and nephews, Christina Damos, Ted Damos, Anna (Jeremy) Sharp, Rachel Woodland and Sarah Palmgren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; two sisters, Maxine Tornquist and Delma Damos; brother-in-law, Ted Damos; stepdaughter Lisa Clark and stepson, Randy Clark and niece, Marsha Damos.
Cremation has been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held and announced this fall, following harvest, at Zion Lutheran Church, North Henderson. Interment will be at Mt. Vernon Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Zion Lutheran Church of North Henderson and sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
