Dorothy Lundbom

1913 — 2013

by Jinny Larson

Dorothy (Dottie) Lundbom was born May 7, 1913 at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, the first of three girls to Hulda and Otto Ohlson. Dottie died on July 27, 2013 at Axelson Manor, Covenant Village of Northbrook, Illinois – a little over 2 months after celebrating her 100th birthday.

The family moved to the North Park area in 1923. Dottie was confirmed at the North Park Swedish Mission Church and became a member of the church at age 18. She was in the first graduating class of Peterson School in 1927, graduated soon after from North Park Academy and then from North Park Junior College in 1932.

In 1936, Dottie married Russell Lundbom, and they had two children, Jack and Virginia Kay. Russell, known among his friends as “Yutch,” died in 1963.

In the 1950’s Dottie went back to work as a secretary. She was proficient, working first at an insurance agency and later at Covenant Headquarters as a secretary to Aaron Markuson and later Dave Noreen.

Always looking for ways to have fun, Dottie would plan luncheons for the Covenant Office Girls (COGS), inviting them to her home in groups of 10-12 for lunch. She loved being around young people and got acquainted with many students who worked part-time at Covenant Headquarters. After retirement she proved her adaptability, joining the staff at the Central Conference office and learning how to use the computers.

For 82 years she was a member at North Park Covenant Church – she committed 42 years to the choir and 18 as superintendent of the Beginners Department, as well as years as a deacon and a trustee (the first woman to do so!). She gave the name to the highly successful cookbook, “Come Into Our Kitchens.” When Dottie went downtown to shop at Marshall Field’s, she would always go to the book floor, find the cookbook and make sure it was prominently on display!

She is survived by her son, Jack, and his wife Linda (Larson), children David (Barbara) and Jeanie; daughter Jinny, wife of late Quentin “Dusty” Larson, children Tim (Mary), Karl, Peter and Chrissy; and six great-grandchildren.

Dottie loved spending time with family, was eager to share her thankfulness and blessings and was a great encourager. She was sharp and remained an avid Scrabble player into her 99th year! Shortly before she died she came into her room singing, “When we all get to Heaven.” God was calling her and she would be going soon, she told me. Peace be to her memory.

[Memorials are directed to North Park Covenant Church, Chicago]