Richard Lundgren

"The man with a song in his heart, a smile on his face, and a harmonica in his pocket."  That man, Richard Lowell Lundgren, was born to Swedish immigrant parents, Johan Phillip and Anna (Peterson) Lundgren on April 22,1927, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was the youngest of 8 children. He grew up in the church and it was during those early years, that he surely learned about and grew to love the wonderful gospel truth that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, the Life, our Savior and Lord.  "Dick" graduated from Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis in 1945, however, he enlisted in the US Navy and left for active duty just weeks before his graduation. His mother received his diploma for him on graduation day. He would tell the story that he was on board ship and enroute to Japan to engage in the conflict there during World War 2 when the US 'dropped the bombs'. He often shared that had that not happened, he may not have returned home from Japan!! After his discharge from the Navy, he attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. This would equip him for his future calling as a pastor.  He met his first and life-long sweetheart, Marilyn Annette Skytte, at Medicine Lake Bible Camp, when they were teenagers. Their relationship blossomed and grew and on March 19, 1949, they were married. Not long after, they began their family. They had five sons and one daughter.  Dick became a pastor, serving in the Evangelical Covenant Church denomination. He served churches in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and California, beginning in January of 1953, and officially ending when he retired in May of 1990. This was his life's calling, and he loved his work. He loved teaching God's Word and he loved loving God's people. He was a "people person" with a heart for others, and a great desire that they come to know Christ!   Out of necessity and to "make ends meet" as a young father providing for his family, he did everything he could to make extra money. He planted field corn, raised chickens, planted a huge garden, drove school bus, did some substitute teaching. He was a hard-working man who did things right, and he instilled those values in his children.   Pastor Dick had many talents and hobbies. He had a beautiful singing voice, and of course he would play that harmonica that he'd pull from his pocket. Marilyn would play along on the piano or her violin. They would also sing duets, and together they would bless and delight others with their talents.   Other interests that he pursued with passion included woodworking, stained glass, FISHING!! He would often report the number of crappies caught in a day, and then he would prepare them in his own special delicious way. He enjoyed cooking and was good at that, too!! He loved his family and would help out when needed and when he was able. He really enjoyed playing games with his grandkids, and while visiting them, someone would pull out the “Wahoo” board that he had made, or a deck of cards, and the games would begin. He taught them to be ruthless and also the reality of defeat!  He was crazy, funny, sometimes frustrating, but there was always laughter, love, and hugs.   His dear Marilyn passed away in December of 2010, after 61 years of marriage, and just three years after they had moved to Oregon to live near family. In the coming year, he became friends, and then more than friends, with the second love of his life, Lavonne Kribs. They were married in April of 2011.  When they began their life together Dick prayed that God would give them 10 good years of marriage, and that's exactly what God did! They shared a deep love and enjoyed a wonderful companionship together. God does all things well!   On June 9th, 2021, this "larger-than-life" man went to be with Jesus, his Lord whom he served....and we rejoice, knowing he’s HOME!!  Richard was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, his wife, Marilyn, and grandson Levi Lundgren. Remaining, to "carry on" are wife Lavonne of Turner OR, sons Tim (Margaret) of Turner OR, Tom (Kathy) of Portland, OR, Mark (Cindy) of Lake Nebagamon, WI, James of Spokane, WA, Peter (Debra) of Kingston, NY, and daughter, Mary Lundgren of Salem, OR. He was Grampa to 20 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and  just hours after he left, his first great-great grandchild was born. He also leaves behind many much-loved nieces, nephews and precious friends.    A scripture verse that was a special favorite and one of Dick’s ‘life verses’, Isaiah 55:11: “So shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth;It shall not return to Me void,But will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”