Wallace E. Almquist, of the Legacy at North Augusta, passed away on Monday, January 17, 2022 at the Shenandoah Hospice House in Fishersville.

Mr. Almquist was born in Ridgway, Pennsylvania on December 23, 1922, a son of Axel W. and Freda (Bergstrom) Almquist.

Wallace graduated from Ridgway High School and the Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He worked for Phillips Petroleum, where he met his soon to be wife, Mary, of seventy three years, in Borger, Texas. Moving back north to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he worked for Blaw-Knox Steel Fabricators and the Columbia Gas System, both in Pittsburgh and Charleston, West Virginia where he was Vice President of Engineering and Operations before eventually retiring to Staunton, Virginia for 37 years. He served in various business related organizations including the American Gas Association, Pipeline Research Committee and Interstate Natural Gas Association. He was the holder of US and French patents relating to high pressure gas processing equipment.

Wallace was involved in various church and civic organizations including Covenant Presbyterian Church serving as an elder, Young Life, Weekday Religious Education, and was a Paul Harris fellow with Rotary International. He and Mary would reach out and welcome all in Christian love and fellowship. Together, they were quite the team.

In addition to his parents Mr. Almquist was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Evelyn (Foster) Almquist, and two brothers, Donald L. Almquist and Edward D. Almquist.

Surviving, are four sons, Wallace Jr, (Joyce) of Bettendorf, Iowa, Dr. John F. (Carmella) of North East, Pennsylvania, W. Craig (Michele) of Versailles, Kentucky, and Douglas E. (Robyn) of Henrico, Virginia; a daughter, Kristen B. Rupert (Bruce) of Staunton, Virginia. There are sixteen grandchildren to cherish and remember PopPop moments: Wallace III, John Jr., Collin, Nathan, Emily, Sydney, Andrew, Carter and Erik Almquist, Erin Almquist Wiggins, Corinne Almquist Reilly, Gretchen Rupert Schindler, Daniel Rupert, Lindsay Rupert Cummings, and Jill and Joy Bensmiller. There are twenty two great-grandchildren and counting; one great-great-granddaughter; sister-in-law, Gloria Almquist Shull; and numerous nieces and nephews in Arkansas and Texas.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at Covenant Presbyterian Church.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton is in charge of his arrangements.