Obituary of Audrey Jean Kolquist

Audrey Jean Kolquist, age 89, of Duluth, died Sunday, February 25, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 18, 1934, in Duluth to Alfred and Kaspara Slotness.

Audrey attended Duluth Central High School where she met the love of her life, Cliff Kolquist. The two married on February 4, 1956, having just celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. Upon high school graduation, Audrey worked for Minnesota Power until becoming a proud stay at home mother to her four sons. Audrey never missed one of the boy’s sporting events, traveling near and far in support of her sons and grandkids. She was an exceptional homemaker and hostess, nobody felt more doted on than in her presence. Cliff and Audrey enjoyed many winters in Sarasota, Florida, where she enjoyed beach days and shelling with her sisters-in-law. Audrey enjoyed weekends at the lake, knitting, and reading. She was an active member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church where she loved to volunteer.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Sally, and brothers Robert and Alfred.

She is survived by her husband, Cliff; children Lee (Anne), Jay (Nancy), Reed (Julie), Brad (Nina); eleven grandchildren, Brittany Kolquist, Luke (Grace) Kolquist, Riley (Breena) Kolquist, Alex (Grace Kennedy) Kolquist, Madeline (Robert) Grigus, Molly (Cory) Kucza, Tyler (Sally) Kolquist, Elle (Billy) Seitz, Austin Kolquist, Camille Kolquist, and Dylan Kolquist; and six great grandchildren Valerie, Theodore, Cooper, Letty, Audrey, and Eleanor. Additionally, she is survived by her life-long best friend and sister-in-law, Pat Kolquist as well as sister-in-law, Barb Kolquist, and special niece Gayle Wallin. 

Special thanks to Aftenro Home and Essentia Hospice for their warm and compassionate care that Audrey received. 

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024, at 2 P.M. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church with the funeral service to follow at 3 P.M. Reception to follow at Skyline Bowling Lanes at 4 P.M. Memorials may be sent to Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Aftenro Assisted Living.