Ralph Gene Lundberg

December 31, 1925 – June 8, 2026

Ralph Gene Lundberg, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful servant of God, passed away peacefully at Forks Extended Care on June 8, 2026, at the age of 100.

Born December 31, 1925, in Denver, Colorado, to Rudolph and Georgia (Dunlap) Lundberg, Ralph was affectionately known as “Kayo” by his family. Graduating from Denver’s South High School in 1943, he then moved with his parents and his uncle, Alf Lundberg, to Los Angeles, California.

Driven by a deep sense of duty and love for his country, on January 3, 1944, three days after turning 18, he entered into active service for the U.S. Navy. Achieving Electrician’s Mate Second Class by November 1945, he served in the Pacific during World War II, on the USS Schuylkill. Ralph was honorably discharged on May 19, 1946, after earning four campaign medals for his service. In 1950, he graduated from Los Angeles City College with an AA degree in Physics.

He met the love of his life, Elinore Maren Hanson and they were married on March 3, 1951, by Rev. James Bell at First Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles. Soon after, they moved to Seattle, WA, and started their family of six children. Camping, fishing, and traveling with their children to visit grandparents, all provided warm memories as a family. A couple more joys in his life were cheering on his favorite sports teams, or going for a good cup of coffee and conversation.

Ralph worked for 37 years with Safeway, advancing from produce manager to store manager throughout the Seattle area. However, his desire to serve did not end when the war was over. A devoted member of Wedgwood Presbyterian Church for more than six decades, he faithfully served as both Elder and Deacon, led Teen Feed ministries serving hot meals and sharing God’s love with youth in Seattle, well into his older years. He also volunteered as a Cub Scout leader, and lovingly cared for his aging parents through their final years. Whether serving his country, his church, his family, or those in need, Ralph quietly lived a life devoted to others.

This year, Ralph and his cherished Eli celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary—a remarkable milestone shining with a love and devotion that was rare to witness and unforgettable to those who knew them.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his Uncle Alf and other uncles and aunts; and by his son, Keith Lundberg. He is survived by his wife, Elinore; their children, Erik Lundberg (Cathy Krug) of Bellevue; Neil Lundberg (Gretchen Shankweiler) of Snohomish; Diane Gaydeski (Ken) of Forks; Gary Lundberg (Kristie) of Mountlake Terrace; and Joyce Gaydeski (Joe) of Forks; by their grandchildren Kirsten, Josh, Jake, Kim, Matthew, Corinne, and Hillary; and by their great-grandchildren Corbin, Lucas, KyLee, Hayden, Cortlee, Lyla, Lydia, and Alexandra.

Deepest gratitude to the wonderful staff at Forks Extended Care, the health care providers, and all who lovingly cared for Ralph at home over the years. We are also deeply grateful to our family, friends, neighbors, and community for your love, prayers, and unwavering support.

A Celebration of his Life will be held at Evermore Haven, 188421 Highway 101, Forks, WA, on July 9, 2026, at 12 pm. A light lunch and reception will follow.