POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Carl E. "Dusty" Rosenquist, 63, of Poplar Bluff died unexpectedly Thursday, April 19, 2012, at his home.

He was born Dec. 2, 1948, at Cape Girardeau to Robert C. and Laverne C. Welter Rosenquist. He and Susan Hoxworth Smith were married Aug. 5, 1995, at Scott City.

Dusty was raised in Kelso, Mo., and attended St. Augustine School where he was instilled with a dedication to God and country, a strong work ethic and pride in a job well done, which would guide him for the rest of his life. No doubt influenced by his upbringing, after completing elementary school, Dusty contemplated a vocation in the priesthood. He attended St. Vincent Seminary, now the River Campus, for two years before realizing that God had a different role in mind for him. Instead of being called "Father" as a priest, he would eventually be called "Daddy."

He transferred to Notre Dame High School where he was active in the student council, sports, clubs and the annual spring musicals (believe it or not, Dusty was pretty light on his feet when it came to dancing in the musicals).

After graduating with honors from Notre Dame in 1967, Dusty attended Southeast Missouri State University before answering another call (this one from his country) and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1969. While in the Navy, he received special training as a Navy Medical Corpsman, a role he remained proud of throughout his life. In fact, after completing his active duty in the Navy, he continued to serve his country in this capacity in the Naval Reserve. He achieved the rank of master chief, retiring from the Navy in 1994.

After active duty in the Navy, Dusty returned "home" and continued his education at Southeast Missouri State University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in education in 1975. He taught elementary school in Scott City while furthering his studies with completion of a master's degree in education in 1980, which opened the door to his next role as elementary school principal. He served in this capacity at Meadow Heights, St. Vincent de Paul School in Cape Girardeau, Scott City Elementary and Wright City Elementary. He achieved a specialist degree in education in 1988.

When his support was needed to help care for ailing family members, Dusty heeded this call and moved to Poplar Bluff, where he was principal at Mark Twain Kindergarten Center for 10 years before retiring in 2010.

Dusty was devoted to his wife and family and dedicated a large portion of his time in this capacity. He especially loved his role as "Papi" to his grandchildren. While he loved all things technical and was a self-taught computer expert, he also loved camping, fishing and "tinkering." There wasn't anything he couldn't fix with "WD-40 and a Craftsman wrench." All who knew him appreciated his keen sense of humor and quick wit.

Survivors include his mother, Laverne C. Rosenquist of Kelso; his wife, Susan C. Rosenquist of Poplar Bluff; three sons, Robby Rosenquist (Berkley) of Jackson, Ryan Rosenquist of Springfield, Mo., Bradley Smith of New York; a daughter, Mackenzie Smith (Kevin Robinson) of Poplar Bluff; two brothers, Roger Rosenquist (Mary) of Saint Mary, Mo., Chris Rosenquist (Karen) of Cape Girardeau; and two grandsons, Jonathan and Ryan Rosenquist of Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m. with a Knights of Columbus prayer service immediately following by Knights of Columbus Council 6420.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso, with the Rev. Oliver Clavin officiating.

Burial will follow at St. Augustine Cemetery in Kelso. Full military rites will be provided by the Missouri Honors Team.

Memorial contributions may be given to Immaculate Conception School in Jackson.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.