"Diane - I was thinking about the Indy 500 today, decided to look up your names and was heartbroken to see that Derry had passed away. Never in my life have I ever known two people who were more welcoming to others than you and Derry. My many memories of being at your home for the Indy 500 have stayed so fresh after all these years, and my friends who never knew me back in those days can hardly believe I was there year after year thanks to your hospitality. Derry was larger than life, and so are you sweet Diane. Please know that I will have you both close to my heart always. Love, Karen Egan"
In loving memory of
Mr. Hallquist
February 16, 1948 - March 23, 2014
Derry Lee Hallquist, 66, passed away peacefully at his residence in Indianapolis on Sunday, March 23rd. He was born to the late Chester and Louise Hallquist on February 16, 1948 in Red Oak, Iowa. Derry graduated from Iowa State University and was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He was a home furnishings manufacturers representative for many years. Derry is survived by his wife of 39 years, Diane (Pattee) Hallquist, his son Tyler James Hallquist of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, his daughter Megan Marie Oliver (Eric) of New York City, and his brother Daryl Hallquist (Anne) of Bozeman, Montana. His friends and loved ones will sorely miss him. Derry loved vintage cars and was a life long fan of the Indianapolis 500! An avid cook, he was always thankful for "friends who were family and family who were friends!"
Friends and family will gather on Friday, March 28th in the Leppert Mortuary Nora Chapel from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 29th at 11:00 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Catholic Church. You are invited to visit www.leppertmortuary.com to share a personal memory of Derry, sign the guest book, or arrange a memorial contribution to Friends of Honduras c/o IHM church or to IHM Catholic Church.
Tributes
"Diane, Tyler, Megan and Daryl, What a shock to hear of Derry's passing! My sincere condolences to your entire family. Laura, Jud and Was also send their condolences. (Laura's Dystonia limits her ability to use a computer, so I'm sending this on her behalf.) Since Derry was 4 years older, I knew him through Laura's and his close friendship at ROCHS and as fellow Interior Design majors at ISU. Also, Derry and I would share stories and information about the NYC fashion industry as Megan's interest in fashion grew into a successful NYC fashion career. He was SO proud of her bravery and ambition to take on the NYC fashion world! I also remember attending a great Indy 500 party at your house in the mid-1980's. Derry and your hospitality was so warm and your friends so welcoming to me...Laura's little sis from NYC. Derry will be missed. May many happy, funny and poignant memories of him give you comfort during the days ahead."
"Diane and Family, I knew Derry since grade school at Red Oak. He was always a friend to everyone and I don't know anyone who didn't like him. He simply was like a "ray of sunshine on a rainy day" whenever he walked into the room and everywhere else. I was surprised to hear of Derry's passing. You certainly have my deepest condolences at this time during your loss. May God Watch You and Your Family."
"Derry was so much fun; such a genuine guy! I will always have a smile on my face when thinking of him! Big hugs to you all: Diane, Tyler, Megan, and extended family. Very sorry I was unable to be there for you last weekend, but you're all in my thoughts and Derry will always hold a special place in my heart. "
"Diane and family We just want to say you are in our thoughts and prayers We happened to run into Derry at a bier brewery party several months ago it was so nice talking to him and catching up on what everyone was up to. We miss being neighbors with you the 500 parties were always fun. Talking to him made us feel like time hadn't passed at all! Derry always seemed to make you feel welcome :). We will miss him. Take care "
"Diane, Very sorry to hear about Derry. He was a great guy !!! My thoughts are with you."
"Hallquist Family - Derry was a classmate at Iowa State and we certainly had lot's of fun. Tho many years have passed, we kept up occasionally. May your memories of all your happy times help you at this difficult time - Jean"
"May I offer my prayers as you go thru this difficult time! May God grant you His peace. Barbara Olmstead, Cornerstone Interiors, Indiana ASID member"
"Diane, Megan and Tyler we are so sorry to hear of Derry's death. He was such a great, friendly, fun loving person. Dennis & I are keeping your family in our prayers. We are so sorry for your loss. Cy & Dennis"
"Diane We are so sorry for you loss. Our thoguhts and prayer are with you and your family. David Franklin"
"We are so sorry to hear of your loss. He was a nice man and will be sorely missed. "
"I was shocked and saddened to hear of Derry's passing. We were fraternity brothers at ISU. He was a kind, good natured gentleman, even back then, in the Phi Psi animal house. Derry's family will be in our thoughts and prayers this weekend."
"We are ROCHS classmates of Derry's and also ISU graduates. We were very surprised when we found out Derry had found a job here in Indy as we did. We are very sorry that with jobs, kids and life we were not able to stay in touch more. Our high school class was very close so we all are feeling your loss. Derry was a great friend to all and always had a big smile for everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends. "
"Diane, I am so sorry for your loss. Derry was such a lovely man. I always had looked forward to seeing him when he was our rep. He was fun but always a gentleman. I will have you and your family in my prayers. God bless you."
"DERRY WAS A SPECIAL "FUN" GUY TO WORK WITH AND A FIREND! JIM "
"Diane, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I hope that your memories with Derry will comfort you and bring you peace."
"Hallquist Family, I am so sad to think of your loss. Derry certainly touched many lives during his lifetime. I am a former classmate and have such wonderful memories of him. I have not been at the last few reunions and so have not seen him lately. I remember his wonderful sense of humor and his ability to make everyone around him feel special. He was a very special friend. My condolences to all of you."
"Diane, Having met you through SMHG events, as a participant, and having worked with you as part of the old Winner Hardware team, I wanted to express my sincere condolences at the loss of your husband. Although I never met Derry, I can't imagine the difficulty in facing the loss of a spouse after being together for so many years. My heart and thoughts are with you during your time of need."
"Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.This was such sad news.Bertie Buchanan"
"Dear Diane, Tyler and Megan, We are shocked and so heartbroken to hear about Derry's passing. He was such a wonderful, warm and caring person. We wish we were in Indianapolis now to be with you. Please know that our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Our Love, Holly and Art"
"Diane and Family: I'm so sorry to hear about Derry's passing. I know that John and Joane looked so forward to meeting up with you guys each summer and enjoyed your time together. I know he'll be missed and my thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"Diane & family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. God Bless Lois"
"Our deepest sympathies for the sudden loss of your husband and father. May your memories bring you comfort. Caring thoughts and prayers. Jo & Jerry"
"To the Hallquist family, I grew up with Derry and graduated with him. I know that he was a good, kind person. May God be with you at this time, he will be missed by many."
"I am deeply saddened at the loss of Derry. When moving to Red Oak in my junior year, Derry was one of the first to befriend this "new kid". I shall miss the smile the sense of humor and the all around nice guy that was Derry Hallquist. Absolutely one of the best human beings I have every known. For the past three or four class reunions I was able to spend a lot of time with Derry and those good times will never be forgotten. My condolences to his family. We have all lost a good man."
"Derry was one of those classmates that everyone loved. He was a friend to all he met. I'm so glad we emailed regularly and I will miss receiving those and his sense of humor most of all. Please know that the entire Red Oak Class of '66 feels the same way we do and sends their thoughts and prayers. Pam"
"I am absolutely stunned to hear that Derry has passed away. From time to time we emailed each other, but sadly in the last months had not kept contact. I will miss him so much. He is a part of my childhood and teen years that I will never forget. Derry took me to all the Jr. High dances, and we were such good friends. We even had twin shirts! We made pizza from scratch, 'saucepan scotchies' and other such goodies. He loved cooking even then. His dad, Chet, was into rock hunting and polishing. I still have a ring that Derry made me. Louise was like 'another mother' during that time. Our families had such good times together. I can't believe that he will not be there for our next class reunion. We had a wonderful visit the last time, and I'm thankful for that. My sympathy goes out to Derry's family. He was such a good guy in every way. Know that while you are grieving, there are many good friends near and far who are sending you their love and support. Diane, although I don't know you, I lost my husband 2 years ago. I understand what you are going through. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. Susan Stratton Yohe Class of 1966, ROCHS"
"Derry was a happy and fun classmate. My deepest sympathy to his family and all his dear friends. He will be missed."
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Derry's family and friends. We will always remember what a kind, friendly, and funny person we all called our friend."
"My heart is aching for you, Diane and all your family. Wish I could be there, but my prayers and thoughts are there. Love all of you so very much. Always, Janie"
"Our sincere sympathies to Derry's family and friends. "
"To The Hallquist Family, Derry was a close childhood friend and one of the South Hill gang. In our grade school days, we would go rock hunting, collect pop bottles for the two cent redemption-big money to 8 and 9 year olds-explore Indian Gulley, and many times just do nothing together. Derry was always singing and optimistic. I remember how excited he was a couple of years ago when I found a picture of his dad Chet in Henderson, Iowa, and sent it to him. He was a great classmate and friend, and will be sorely missed by everyone. jim class of '66"
"Dear Diane, Tyler, Megan and Eric - So, so sorry for your loss. We send our loving thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. Sincerely, Paula & Greg"
"Dear Diane I am so shocked to hear of Derry's passing. It was just a few weeks ago that Derry and I spoke. I am now so thankful that I had that opportunity to catch up. Derry shared with me pictures of Megan and Eric's wedding and how happy you both were to have Eric as part of your family. He spoke of Tyler's job and how luck Tyler is to have a job that let's him enjoy his love of the outdoors. I wish I could be there to attend Derry's mass but I am in Utah tending to my daughter Stephani's recent skiing accident. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Steven Victor"
"Diane, Megan, Eric and Tyler, You are, and will remain in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. Let the fond memories of family and friends help keep Derry close to you and alive in your hearts forever. You have our deepest sympathies. Nancy and Mark Gargula "
"Diane, Megan and Tyler... so sorry for your loss. We had so much fun with you guys at Indy. Derry loved Indy weekend. He will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "
"Derry loved his family and he was so proud of his children. Every time he talked about Megan's wedding, he would say "Now that was a fun day". I will really miss his kindness and his friendship. God be with each of you and comfort you in your time of need."
"We are heartbroken over the loss of Derry. He was a wonderful neighbor and friend. He was the first person we met when we moved to the neighborhood and was always there with a smile across the driveway. From putting up signs to congratulate us on our wedding and the birth of our babies, annual race parties, his special soup on Halloween, and playing the piano with Portia, we have some many great memories of him. We miss him terribly but are better people for knowing him. Much love to Diane, Megan, and Tyler. "
"Diane, Megan and Tyler - we can't imagine the pain you feel but please know how loved you are. We will miss Derry's smiling face through the window, his comments on Facebook, and his love of racing - especially dreams of Owen becoming a driver. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. Much love from us all! "