Ralph K. Lundgren

Ralph Kenneth Lundgren, 80, of St. Joseph, (previously Burr Ridge, IL) died, Saturday, October 03, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family following a brief illness. Ralph was the son of the late John and Corinne (Pearson) Lundgren.  He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joan (Craig); his children, John, Larry (Kathleen), Karen (Jordie Field) and Catherine (Thomas Barron); grandchildren Eleanor, Claudia and George Lundgren, Emilia and Nathanial Field, and Annhelie and Lillia Barron; sisters Carol (William Wrona) and Cheryl (Anton Jurcik); daughter-in-law Mareen Lundgren, nieces and nephew, and many close friends. Born and raised in Chicago, Ralph graduated from Hirsch High School and Knox College.  After a successful career with Viskase (previously Union Carbide), he had the luxury of retiring at 55 to pursue his passion for travel, music, and food.  He was proud to have served on the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra board and to have traveled to 6 continents and 70 countries. Visitation will be at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph on Friday, October 9 at 11:00 A.M. followed by a service at noon.  Those wishing to sign Ralph’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra or Hospice at Home.