John Theodore Ahlquist's Obituary
John Theodore Ahlquist passed away peacefully at St. Luke’s Hospital on March 1,
2025, at the age of 80 years, 8 months, and 9 days.
John was born in St. Louis Missouri to the late Clyde and Marian Ahlquist. He was raised in Shrewsbury along with his two younger brothers, Murray, and James (Jim). John was preceded in death by both
Murray (Sandy), and Jim (Denise).
John attended St. Louis University High School and then went on to graduate from St. Louis University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He was accepted to Washington University Law school where he completed his law degree. As soon as John passed the MO bar, he was drafted into the army, where he served for 2 years, one of those in Vietnam. When he was discharged from the Army, he began to practice
law in St. Louis. John was immensely proud of having been able to practice law for over 50 years.
John lived life to the fullest. He wanted to get as much out of every day as he could. He liked tennis, racquetball, Billikens basketball, St. Louis Cardinal baseball, and float trips on the Jacks Fork River. He loved to travel, both in the U.S. and internationally. He was always excited to experience new places and new cultures. Of course, he usually had lots of stories to tell about his adventures.
John treasured his family and his friends. He maintained lifelong friendships from his grade school days growing up in Shrewsbury. What was most important to John was his family. He had such a big heart. He was a devoted, loving, and affectionate husband, father, stepfather, and Papa.
John greatly improved the lives of so many people just because he was in their lives. John may be physically gone, but his spirit and our memories of him will always be with us and all who knew him. May the memory of his smile and fun-loving spirit bring a smile to your face. He will be dearly missed.
John is survived by his wife Betty Nenninger (Castulik), daughters Cathy Ahlquist (Matt Dearing), Kristen Rattini (Tony), Amy Behle and Beth Morgan (Jarred), stepson, Jared Nenninger (Anne) and stepdaughter Katie Gallucci (Drew). Very special to John were his grandchildren, to whom he was a wonderful Papa, Austin, Dominic, Gina, Miles, Kate, and Finley.
Services: A mass will take place on June 28, 2025, at 10:00 am at St. Francis Xavier College Church, 3628 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO, visitation before mass beginning at 9:00. There will be a celebration of life immediately following mass in the church ballroom.
Parking information: Parking will be available in the Laclede garage, which is at Grand and Laclede. This is a little over a block away from the church. There is a handicap entrance to the church on Grand Ave. If you come from the garage, you will see a ramp going down to the lower level (before you get to the main entrance). Once inside, there is an elevator to take you up to the church. There are also some handicapped parking spaces on Lindell. There is a curb cut in front of church for dropping off and picking up passengers.
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Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
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