John F. Quarve - Stewartville

John Frederick Quarve, 65, passed away Friday, June 22, 2012, at his home, following a brief battle with cancer.

John was born Oct. 6, 1946, in Phoenix, Ariz., and was adopted and brought to Rochester by Lloyd E. and Mildred O. (Granrude) Quarve at the age of two. John was a 1964 graduate of John Marshall High School. Following graduation, he worked for his father, who owned Quarve and Anderson Co. in Rochester, until it was sold in 1994. He then worked for Elcor Construction and Paulson Rock Products until his retirement in 2004.

John married Janet L. Cresswell in 1964 and was later divorced; he then married Mary I. Pressnall-Gilk in 1974 in Sioux Falls, S.D. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, working in his shop — "Papa's Garage" — and playing pull-tabs and scratch-offs.

John is survived by Mary Quarve, Stewartville; his children, James (Melissa) Quarve, New Market, Tenn., Joeliann Quarve, Rochester, Nicholas (Christine) Gilk, Stewartville, and Jennifer Gilk, Rochester; his five grandchildren, Gabby Quarve, Sami and Jamie Ann Friederichs, Drew and Bella Gilk; and his sister, Sue Schuller, Rochester.

John was preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 29, 2012, in Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes' chapel. A time of reflection and visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Rochester, at a later date.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place N.W., Rochester, MN 55901. (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com