Calvin Carl Holmquist

Calvin Carl Holmquist, 76, of Newton, passed away suddenly on January 20, 2025, at home. Calvin was the son of Eulalia (McCormick) and Paul Holmquist. He was born on June 14, 1948, in Bakersfield, California. Calvin’s parents moved to Newton Iowa in 1954. He spent his childhood in Newton and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Newton High School in 1967 and earned three degrees in engineering from Iowa State University. The first two in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. He joined the Air Force and was a navigator on a B52 rising to the rank of Captain. After the Air Force he returned to Iowa State. With his final BS degree in Metallurgical Engineering, he worked for the Timken Company in Canton Ohio. He returned to Newton and provided care and support for his parents until their deaths.

Later in life Calvin married Victoria Hutchins, a high school classmate on May 3, 2019, at First United Methodist Church in Newton. Victoria moved to Johnston to be closer to her daughter due to health issues. Calvin and Victoria were long-term great friends. Victoria had visited with him the night before he passed. Calvin was fortunate to have a stepson, stepdaughter, two step granddaughters and a step grandson.

Cal enjoyed very complex strategy games and for a time was a civil war reenactor. Throughout his adult life he painted metal military figures. His figures represented a variety of armies, from ancient Romans to more modern armies. He had several sets of figures he used in battle scenarios with a group of friends in Newton and earlier in Ames and Des Moines. History was his passion.

Cal was active in several organizations during the years he lived in Newton. He served on the board of the Jasper County Historical Society and worked as a docent at their museum. He enjoyed reading and was on the Library Board. He was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Newton. He served as an usher for many years and was head usher for 11 years. He served on a variety of committees at the church, most recently the Memorials Committee.

Cal learned to play the viola as an elementary school student and participated in orchestra through high school. He enjoyed many different musical genres throughout his life. He participated in track and cross country in high school and was on the track team at Iowa State University.

Cal is survived by his sister, Linda Holmquist and her husband, Dr. Norm Klocke of Topeka, Kansas; his long-term great friend, Victoria Hutchins of Johnston; his stepdaughter Laura (Andrew) Leon of Urbandale, Iowa; his two step-granddaughters, Mia and Reese Rand. He is also survived by his step grandson, Austin Leytham. He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepson, Jim Hutchins.

There will be a visitation with the family on Wednesday, January 29th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. At Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton, Iowa. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 30, at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Newton. There will be a livestream of the service on the Pence-Reese Facebook page. Interment will be at Wittemberg Cemetery in rural Newton.

Memorials may be given in Calvin’s name to the First United Methodist Church of Newton Iowa, the Jasper County Historical Society or the Newton Iowa Public Library.