Obituaries

Pam Mattick from Green Bay, WI

"John was a former classmate of mine and we went to church together. He was a very sweet guy. My condolences to you all."

Mary from Berea, OH

"Stunned and saddened to hear of John ‘Oscars’ sudden leave taking. My sympathy… Our families were neighbors and sometimes I watched John, Andy and Joel. Enjoy the celebration in June, that’s a fitting send off."

Tim Even from Chicago, IL

"I knew John from Middle School through college and visited with him more recently. We'd talk about art ... So long John!"

Mark Thorsen from Batavia, IL

"Oscar became a great friend to me in the 90's. His intellect and grand sense of humor were always a part of our endless discussions. He was also the only person I knew who actually looked forward to the annual Viking Herring Breakfast."

John from Fremont, CA

"My condolences to the Lundgren family as I mourn my true friend Oscar. He was a genuine and real force in the life of those who knew him. Sail on Oscar."

Kathleen from Marseilles , IL

"I have many wonderful memories of Oscar, and the girls. That I will forever treasure. We dated for a total of around 6+ years (5+ when he was in his early 30s, then close to a year 15 years later). We managed to remain friend for over 36 years. He will be deeply missed. ❤️"

Martha and Bruce Hanna from Batavia , IL

"Sorry to hear about Oscar. We had fun at the Moon, and I loved that he was the grand Marshall at Boo boo days. You will be missed, and you did love Batavia and we loved you!"

Kim Ruppenthal from Baldwyn, MS

"Sorry to her this. Oscar you will be missed by me. I always enjoyed our conversations when i delivered your mail. You were a great person and friend. RIP Oscar gone but never forgotten."

Jeff Rackmyer from North Aurora, IL

"It's been said that to be a true friend takes no effort and this was Oscar. Always a pleasure to be around. He had an aura of happiness that made people feel good while in his company. And to that, I raise my glass and say, cheers."

Jody M Kanikula from BATAVIA, IL

"Such sad and shocking news. Oscar was a good neighbor and an even better friend. . Oscar had a generous spirit and was willing to help anyone who needed it. We had so many rousing, interesting conversations to even name. Walking the dog in the neighborhood is going to be so sad now. We will miss you Oscar ♥️"

David Coleman from Lafayette, IN

"Condolances to the family. Knew the family when I was a young boy. His parents and mine were friends"

from ,

"We have lived across the street from Oscar for 20 years. He was so supportive to our older boys as they went through their wild teens and our younger boy with D. S. We often chatted with him on his porch as we walked by. As others have said, his friendliness and generosity will not be forgotten. You leave a hole in the neighborhood, Oscar. May you find mercy in the presence of God."

David from Baker, NY

"In 1973 there was no form of transportation more exalted than riding shotgun with Oscar in his 1956 black Chevy.My favorite memories of him are centered around canoes. Gunnel jumping contests, listening to the haunting calls of loons in the mist early the morning somewhere near Ely, Minnesota, and as his bowman in the Mid-America Canoe Race.Through his generosity in sharing his basement bedroom with me during our last year in high school he unequivocally changed the trajectory of my life. For this he will always have my deepest gratitude.Words from a record I remember we would listen to, Hobo's Lullaby by Arlo Guthrie... "When the world is wrong, better right yourself It'll make the dark clouds fly Nobody tall can put out the lights Just don't let the spirit die.""

Paris DePaepe from Springfield , MO

"My deepest sympathy to Oscar's family and friends at this time. I met Oscar at ISU when we both lived in Wright Hall. I used to go to his rugby games and we all shared fun times with him in the 7th floor lounge in Wright hall, at dorm keggers when that was still a thing they allowed, and swimming at Lake Bloomington. May shared memories of him provide comfort at this time."

Daryl Davis from Fort Myers, FL

"So sorry in his loss. I just spoke to him through Facebook couple months ago. R.I.P. John. You will be missed."

Christine Helgoe Woodall from Woodstock , IL

"I'm so sad to learn of the loss of this dear man. We kept in touch for over 40 years. He always spoke with great love and pride for his family. Rest easy, JohnOscar. You will be missed! 💔"

Marie Bartolotta from Naperville , IL

"Oscar was one of my favorite colleagues at Washington Junior High School in Naperville. I am so sorry to hear about his passing. He had a huge heart and many talents. My condolences to his family."

Stu Pippel from MADISON, WI

"Oscy, all my thoughts and prayers to you and your family. You are missed big mon. The 50th ISU Rugby Reunion will definitely not be the same without your smile, your laugh and your presence. I always looked forward to your FB posts and always looked forward to seeing you at the reunions. You are one of a kind. RIP Oscar. Say hi to all the great ruggers you'll meet!"