Obituary of Eric Gunnar Turnquist

Eric Gunnar Turnquist, 82, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family in Tewksbury, NJ on March 21 after a battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was a loyal husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend who lived a full life.

Eric was born in Manhattan, NY and raised in Ringwood, NJ where he developed his love for the outdoors, athletics, and cars. Marrying his high school sweetheart, Gerry, he dedicated his life to his wife and family. Eric received his BS & MBA from Fairleigh Dickenson University followed by his JD from Seton Hall University all while working full time and raising his family. His career started at Singer Company. Eric then opened his own law practice where he helped many people. 

Eric was a rag to riches American dream story. His parents immigrated from Sweden with dreams and hopes for a better life. As a youth, Eric helped his father build houses and went on to build several of his own family homes. Eric loved buying and selling real estate and preserved farmland in Hunterdon, Morris, and Warren Counties, NJ. Eric loved nature, whether hunting, fishing or just taking the family on weekend hikes. He experienced exotic expeditions across the world to hunt for big game animals. Eric always caught the biggest one!

He made many friends with his classic car collection and love for sports, especially volleyball and tennis. His family came first with weekends and holidays spent with his entire extended family. Eric's life exemplified that hard work and devotion to family are the cornerstones of a life truly worth living.

Eric is survived by his wife of 62 years, Geraldine; children Katherine McDonald (Jim) of Clinton, NJ, Sean Turnquist (Debbie) of Whitehouse Station, NJ, Heather Sansbury (Todd) of Cornelius NC, Bjorn Turnquist (Jody) of Sarasota, FL; grandchildren Matt (Maegan) and Ryan McDonald, Paige and Gunnar Turnquist, Griffin and Emily Sansbury, and Zoe and Teddy Turnquist; great grandchild Mason McDonald; sisters Linda (Art) and Florence (Edward) along with many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, March 25th from 10:00 until 11:00am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 398 County Road, Califon, NJ. Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Hunterdon Hospice, 215 NJ-31, Flemington, NJ Please Click Here to Donate or Tewksbury First Aid and Rescue Squad, 163 Country Road 517, Califon, NJ Please Click Here to Donate.