Rev. Richard Lundberg, influential rector at St. Simon's Episcopal Church, dies at 91

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — The Rev. Richard E. Lundberg, the influential rector at St. Simon's Episcopal Church, died Saturday, Nov. 12. He was 91.

Lundberg was the church's rector for 15 years, arriving in 1975, according to the Daily Herald. While at St. Simon's, he made large improvements to the church, which included installing new stained glass windows, bringing in a new pipe organ and constructing a two-story classroom building for the school in the early 1980s, the Herald reports.

Lundberg joined the Navy as a pilot after graduating high school, according to his obituary. He also did missionary work in Utah, served as a juvenile judge and was the chaplain for several hospitals.

In his spare time, Lundberg enjoyed fishing and was an accomplished oil painter. He came up in the Big Band era, which led to him becoming a skilled dancer. Lundberg even taught ballroom dancing in high school.

Lundberg retired in 1991, but he contributed several years of supply ministry to many parishes throughout the Northwest and West suburbs.

He is survived by his sister, Joan (Lundberg) Rowland; daughter, Molly (Lundberg) Baker; son, James; and 10 grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at St. Simon's, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. A reception will follow the service in the lower level of the church. A private interment for the family will follow the reception.

Go to Rev. Richard E. Lundberg's obiturary on Legacy.com for more information.

More via the Daily Herald

photo via Shutterstock

Like What You're Reading? Stay Patched In!

• Like our Crime page on Facebook
• Live Traffic and Transit Updates