Robert Malmquist / November 12, 1944 – January 24, 2019 / OBITUARY

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Robert Malmquist

November 12, 1944 – January 24, 2019

ROBERT’S OBITUARY

In celebration and remembrance of the life of Robert “Bob” Arthur Malmquist (74) of Frostproof, FL, also known as “Chop-Chop” by the grandchildren. Bob was born in Flint, Michigan, on November 12, 1944. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1962 to 1966, as a jet-engine mechanic, and worked B-47, B-52, and KC-135 aircraft. Following the Air Force, Bob worked with General Electric and General Motors. During a changeover of vehicle manufacturing at General Motors in 1968, Bob came to Florida for vacation, and decided to stay. Bob worked at River Ranch Acres Shooting Center, where he met the love of his life, Beverly Johnston, whom he married. Bob and Beverly moved multiple times before settling in Frostproof, where they raised their children. Bob worked at Ben Hill Griffin, Inc., in Frostproof, where he found his calling in life as a paramedic. Bob served his community as a paramedic and volunteer fireman, Boy Scout leader, a member of American Legion Post 95, a deacon and elder at the First Presbyterian Church of Frostproof for 42 years, and a volunteer Reading tutor for students at Frostproof Elementary School. Bob had a devout love for his family, and enjoyed spending his free time doing woodwork and photography. As an outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and shooting skeet.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Walter Malmquist and Dorothy Hendershot Harrell. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Beverly Malmquist, of Frostproof, FL; and children Cynthia (Danny) Alexander of Lake Wales, FL; Eric (Julia) Malmquist of Vero Beach, FL; and Kitty (David) Riggins of Frostproof, FL. Bob is survived by his grandchildren Daniel Alexander, Devon and Morgan Malmquist, Gabriella and Christopher Branson, Makenzie Lee and Nickolas Riggins; great-grandchildren Gage and Hayden Lee; step-mother, Crystobel Malmquist, of Marietta, GA; and his aunt, Norma (Ted) Stadelburger of Flushing, MI.

Bob was most proud of his family, his military service, and his love for Jesus Christ.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fisher House at the following mailing address:

James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital
Attn: Fisher House
13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33612

Donations can also be made online at: https://www.fisherhouse.org/programs/houses/house-locations/florida-james-a-haley-veterans-hospital.

A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Frostproof on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at 11:00 am. Following the memorial service, a short graveside service will be held, with military honors, at Silver Hill Cemetery.