RICHARD CARL SJOLUND

Richard Carl Sjolund, 85, of DeKalb, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at Oak Crest DeKalb Area Retirement Center.

He was born July 13, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois the son of Sigurd Axel and Hulda Linnea (Olofsson) Sjolund. He graduated from Senn High School in Chicago (1956) before attending Augustana College (B.A., 1960) where he met Karen Bjorseth. They married on June 16, 1962 at Grace Lutheran Church in Aurora, Illinois. He subsequently completed his master’s degree and post-graduate work at Northern Illinois University. 

Richard was a teacher and school administrator for over 50 years. He taught in Huntley and Elgin prior to serving as principal at Waterman Elementary (1969-1984), Hinckley Elementary (1984-1994), and Millbrook Junior High (1994-2011). He was a member of First Lutheran Church in DeKalb where he served on the church council and was a long-time member of the Red-Eye Bible Study. Richard was president of the Clinton Township Library, a member of the Ben Gordon Board and on the Kishwaukee Hospital Community Outreach Committee. He enjoyed spending time with his family, cycling, gardening and being outdoors. Richard was an avid reader and fan of the Cubs, Bears, and Augustana Vikings.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; his son, Jon David (Yoko) Sjolund of Tokyo, Japan; his daughter, Sara Ann (John) Feken of DeKalb; his granddaughter, Ann Yoshida Sjolund of Tokyo; and his brother, John Donald (Donna) Sjolund of Sonoma, California.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Gladys.

A memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 25, at First Lutheran Church (324 North Third Street, DeKalb) with the Rev. Dr. Janet Hunt officiating. 

His visitation will be held on Thursday, August 24, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb, and from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 25 at First Lutheran Church in DeKalb.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice in memory of Richard C. Sjolund, in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.

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