Brant Lindqvist

Brant “Linky” R. Lindqvist passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, April 23, 2021.  He and twin brother Bruce were born in Duluth on June 7, 1957 to parents Rudy and Aini Lindqvist.

Brant was a 1975 graduate of Duluth Central High School and a retired Laborer with Laborers Union Local 1091 of Duluth.  He had also been a member of the Knights of Kaleva (Vuoksen Maja) and Sampo Association for many years, and First Lutheran Church.

He faces numerous health challenges throughout his lifetime.  Diabetes, brain trauma, kidney transplant, pancreas transplant, and cancer.  Brant met all of these challenges with his ever present Finnish Sisu, but none of them would define who he was.

He found joy in any opportunity to help others.  He was the “go to” man for household projects, errands, rides etc.  If he could be of help, he was having a good day.  A gifted woodworker, his skillful hands created doll cradles, toy boxes, foot stool and so many other items that will be forever cherished by family and friends.  He loved to get a laugh out of people with his endearing and quirky sense of humor.  His “dance moves” were as one of a kind as he was.

He was also a very proud Finn.  Finnish food, music, sauna and language were traditions impressed upon in the Lindqvist household.  Trips to Finland and visits from relatives made for happy times and memories.

Brant lived a life that was full.  He appreciated the simple things.  A drive up the North Shore for smoked fish, finding a good place to nap (made even better with a cat on his lap), time spent with family or a visit from a friend.  He was a loving son, brother, uncle and loyal friend.

Thanks and appreciation to the many doctors and nurses that have cared for Brant over the years.

Much love to twin brother Bruce for being Brants kidney donor in 2008.  Your gift gave us time that we may not have otherwise had.

Our love and gratitude to Lisa Anderson and all of Brant’s “Peace of Mind” family at Pike Lake.  Thank you for your devoted care, unconditional love and friendship.

Brant is predeceased by his grandparents, parents Rudy and Aini Lindqvist, and great niece in Finland.

Left to grieve are:  brother Bruce (Barb) and family of Duluth, sister Melinda (Mark) Wallin of Ohio, sister Britta (Eero) Joutsikoski and family in Finland, and brother Curt (Ritva) Lindqvist and family in Finland.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2021 from 10 AM until the 11 AM memorial service at Dougherty Funeral Home. FACIAL MASKS REQUIRED. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery.  If so desired, memorials may be directed to:  University of Minnesota Type 1 Diabetes Research Fund.  Link: https://makingagift.umn.edu/give/fund.html?id=11947.  Mailing address:  University of Minnesota Foundation, PO Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266, or to Peace of Mind of Duluth. 5765 Old Miller Trunk Hwy., Duluth, MN 55811.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. Second Street, Duluth, MN 55805, 218-727-3555.