John M. Lindquist

John M. Lindquist, Beloved Teacher and Coach, baptized into the hope of Christ's resurrection, Sunday, November 27, 2022. Beloved husband of Christine Lindquist. Dear father of Alison (Adrian) Hartman and Brad Dees. Loving Pop Pop of Addie and Axton Hartman. Dear brother of Craig (Judy) Lindquist and the late Gary Lindquist. Brother-in-law of Barbara Johnston, Peggy (Jay) Toalsen, Bob (Sue) Behlman, David (Lynn) Behlman, Mary (Tim) Kuhn and the late Greg (Karen, survives) Behlman. Uncle of J.T. (Erica) Lindquist, Scott (Anna) Lindquist, Amy Lindquist Iwaszkowiec, Angela (Otto) Wilson, Gina Steffan, Zach Pressy, Jacob Toalsen, Jamie (Scott) Miller, Katie (Justin) Cannavan, Josh (Susan) Kuhn, Tim (Megan) Kuhn, Alex (Anna) Kuhn, Bonnie (Eric) Wenzelburger, Bri (Mike) Huggins, Alex (Brynn) Behlman, Samantha Behlman, Christina Behlman and Elizabeth Behlman. Our dear great-uncle, cousin and friend. John grew up in north county St. Louis and graduated from Riverview High School in 1969. He attended the University of Missouri in Columbia where he graduated with a B.S. in Education in 1973. During his four years at Mizzou, John was a member of the Tiger Football team where he referred to himself as a “human tackling dummy.” His drive and tenacity kept him on the scout team for four years. John received a MA in School Administration from Northeast Missouri State University (Truman) in 1983. He began his teaching and coaching career at Jennings High School and five years later settled in at Parkway South High where he made his mark for the next 34 years as a beloved social studies teacher and inspiring football coach. There he met his wife Chris of 25 years. During his 38 years of teaching and coaching, John was the perfect role model of integrity, humility and kindness. He not only impacted the lives of every student and athlete he taught or coached, but also everyone with whom he met. John was loved by so many people. Everyone who knew John would say, “John is the nicest guy in the world.” Former students and athletes kept in touch with him long after they graduated and frequently expressed the influence he had on their lives. John was always a kid at heart. He challenged students to make learning fun, inspired students to be the best versions of themselves and created a classroom not only for learning but also a safe place where students always felt welcome to go if they needed some advice on life or just an ear to listen. At South, John was also very involved with the special needs community. Special needs students were always placed in one of John’s classes because counselors knew he would include them by providing the love and attention they needed and deserved. No one could have a better or more loyal friend than John as evidenced by the number of people who remained close to him during the four years after his injury. John was in several different rehab hospitals and assisted living facilities; everywhere he stayed the staff told us that John had more visitors than anyone they had ever seen. A testament to the kind of person he was. John was a brother to all but had a special bond with his two brothers Gary (late) and Craig. They were a tight threesome growing up and into their adult years spending time on the golf course and more recently Craig’s steadfast support after his injury. John and Chris were married in 1997 and he became stepfather to Alison and Brad, whom he loved more than anything in the world. Each of them had a truly special relationship with John as they grew up. Alison would frequently say that “John is the best thing that ever happened to our family” and Brad full of pride couldn’t wait to tell anyone he met from Parkway South that John was his stepfather. He was devoted to them in every aspect of their lives, coaching Brad’s football and basketball teams, attending all school activities, and providing guidance in life. He was their confidant, the person they confided in when they needed advice or just someone to listen. As their father, John raised them by example. His support, guidance, friendship and love were unconditional always. John positively shaped their lives in more ways than they can express, and they both continually strive to be better people because of him. “Johnny Boy” as they lovingly referred to him will always be with them wherever life takes them. John’s favorite activities involved the outdoors and exercise, a passion he shared with Chris. They loved to hike in the Rockies, local parks and bicycle every chance they had. Their day was not fulfilled without a good workout outside or at the gym. The one activity John revered more than any was fly-fishing. He truly mastered the art, and it was beautiful to watch him in the streams of Rockbridge, Montauk or the Rockies. He treasured the time he could fish with family and friends and was excited to teach them his technique. John loved to travel if Chris planned the details. They took Mediterranean cruises, traveled to Mexico, Jamaica, Alaska, Yellowstone, Italy, and of course the annual trip to Colorado. During his four years of being in a wheelchair, John’s focus was to walk again so he could go fly-fishing with Brad, take Addie and Axton to the zoo or museums with Alison, duck hunt with Adrian and take Chris on a vacation. To describe John’s character and life in an obituary does not do him justice. It would take a book and then some to convey how truly good he was and how much his goodness affected those around him. Everyone has a story or three about John. He will long be remembered for the full life he lived. Services: Funeral from the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Monday, 9:45 a.m. to Holy Infant Catholic Church, Manchester for 10:00 a.m. Mass. Interment Bellerive Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Stephen A. Orthwein Center, the American Cancer Society or Special Olympics. Visitation Sunday 3-8 p.m. Friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.

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John M. Lindquist

August 16, 1951 - November 27, 2022