Gretchen Ann Ahlquist

Gretchen Ann Ahlquist, 69, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Monday, May 31, 2021.
Gretchen was born to Edwin and Leora Harder on October 30, 1951. She graduated from Wayzata High School and Mankato State University. On August 26th, 1978 she married the love of her life, Kevin Walter Ahlquist. Together they raised two children, built their own successful auto repair business, and shared many adventures.
Gretchen lived the majority of her life on Long Lake in Mahtomedi, MN, while enjoying many trips to her cabin in Babbitt, MN on beautiful Bear Island Lake where she has permanently resided since her retirement in 2018.
She loved water skiing, berry picking, fishing, boating, relaxing on the beach, a good laugh, gardening and reading a good book. She was happiest on the waters of her favorite Minnesota lakes or the sunny beaches of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
She welcomed everyone with open arms and kind words. We will forever remember her for being a “Bridge-Builder,” someone who went out of her way to bring people together in unity, love and peace. Her generosity touched many lives.
Gretchen is survived by her two daughters, Britt (Jason) Pate of Eagan, MN and Nissa (Charles) Selden of Blacksburg, SC, her sister Margaret Harder, sister-in-law Beth Fitzgerald, (Jim) and niece Jann Anderson.
She was preceded in death by her husband Kevin Ahlquist and her parents Edwin and Leora Harder.
Her memorial service will be hosted by Oasis International Church at 2 p.m, Saturday June 5th in Ely Minnesota at the Senior Center and a celebration of life will follow at Tank’s in Babbitt.