JAMES A QUANSTROM  

   January 5, 1932 - July 29, 2012

Biography

 

After a courageous battle with cancer, James A. Quanstrom, 80, of rural Galesburg died Sunday, July 29, 2012 at 10:01 a.m. with his family by his side.

He was born the youngest son of Bernard and Helga Quanstrom of Altona, IL. He married Pamela Porter on July 16, 1960 in Galesburg. Jim is survived by his wife Pamela, 2 daughters, Kimberley and Kelly, granddaughter MacKenzie Lee, grandson Colby Lee, son-in-law Kevin Lee and sister June Nickas. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jerry Quanstrom.

Jim joined the Galva National Guard in 1949. In February, 1952 he went to Camp Cook in California and later that year to Kaiserslautern, Germany. His rank was Staff Sergeant. After getting out of the army he was a plumber’s helper and sheet metal worker. He also carpentered for Bill Swanson of Altona. On February 22, 1956 he went to work for Admiral and was there until his retirement on March 1, 1995.

He joined Altona Lodge #330 of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons in 1955 and was Master of the Lodge in 1960. He was a Master Mason for 57 years.

A life-long Boston Celtics fan, he particularly liked the teams with Dave Cowens. Larry Bird was also a favorite. He was inducted to the inaugural ROWVA Hall of Fame in January 2012 in recognition of his athletic and basketball career for ROVA High School during the 1949 season.

A Celebration of life gathering will be held Thursday, August 2, 2012 from 6-7:30 PM at the Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home in Oneida, Illinois. A Masonic Service will be conducted by the Altona Masonic Lodge #330 at 7:30 PM at the Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home. Military Rites will be conducted by the Altona American Legion Post # 390 following the Masonic Service at 7:30 PM. Cremation rites will be accorded. Memorials may be made to: Guardian Angels Humane Society, P.O. Box 94, Galesburg, IL 60402. Online Condolences and Sympathy Cards can be made at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com