Bernard Burdette Lundstrom

Bernard Lundstrom, 85, died in his sleep at his home in Gurnee, IL, January 4, 2020. Bernard was commonly known as Bernie, although when very young he was only known as Bunny. He grew up in Rockford, IL, and Phoenix Arizona. He went to Trinity College, where he met his wife, Ethel. They were married in August, 1957. Bernie ended his first chapter of adulthood by following his bachelor’s degree with studies in Divinity.

Bernie & Ethel began married life in the inner city of Chicago. They were both very involved in the local church where they belonged. Bernie supported the church and the kids programs in many ways, including many leadership roles, and a lot of bus-driving for the many youth programs. His second chapter of adulthood was dominated by church, kids, and being a support.

After retirement Bernie & Ethel began their third chapter by selling their home and traveling the country in a camper. At the same time, they began to take trips to India for six months at a time, working with the pastors and churches in the area of Warangal.

Their next life chapter has them settling down again. They found a home in the country near Watseka, IL, and lived a quiet, relaxed life there for about 10 years.

Bernie and Ethel loved being out in the country, but found they needed a place with more support for their fifth life chapter. They moved to Assisted Living in Gurnee, IL in June of 2019.

Bernie will be remembered for his humor and jokes – always trying to get others to laugh, and for the many, many Sunday afternoons spent making pizzas.

Survived by his loving wife Ethel (Salyers) of 62 years, children: Ruth (Jim) Stevens, Paul (Teresa) Lundstrom, Carol (Gene) Van Dette, Phillip (the late Lisa) Lundstrom, Grandchildren: Frank (Genevieve) Cihlar, Olivia Stevens, Jimey (aka: Kerry) Lundstrom, Joy Van Dette, Arthur Van Dette, Great Grandchildren: Ryan Cihlar, Gavin Cihlar, Emma Michaelson, Siblings: Roy Lundstrom, Pete Lundstrom, Carol Ann Niday. Preceeded in death by his mother Merita Lundstrom, father Willard Lundstrom, brother Jack Lundstrom, daughter-in-law Lisa Lundstrom, daughter-in-law Jacqueline Lundstrom.

A Celebration of Life will be Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at Maranatha Baptist Church, 31457 North Alleghany Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. Visitation from 10 am, service beginning at 11:30 am, with lunch following.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the family will be appreciated.