FUNERAL HOME

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory - Joliet Chapel

3200 Black at Essington Roads

Joliet, Illinois

Ronald Grafstrom Obituary

Grafstrom, Ronald M. "Ronnie" Age 82. Suddenly, Thursday, October 17, 2013 at his late residence, as the result of an apparent heart attack. Born in Duluth, MN, he moved to Chicago at age seven and was a Chicago and Chicago Suburbs resident most of his life. A graduate of Chicago City College with his bachelors degree in accounting, Tilden Tech Academy High School Class of 1949, and Yale Grade School Class of 1944. Ronald was active in both grade school and high school alumni associations. A U.S. Air Force veteran, honorably serving from December 1950 to November 1953, during the Korean Conflict. Retired from the E.J&E. Railroad in 1985 after over 18 years of service as the accounts receivable and payable manager. Formerly employed by H&R Block as a tax preparer. He was an active member of the Tinley Park VFW #2791 and the Tinley Park Korean War Veterans Association #23. Survived by four children, Rhonda (Ralph) Blythe of Crest Hill, Wayne Grafstrom of Braidwood, Susan (Mark) Aultman of Murray, KY and Diane Fritz of Morris; five grandchildren, Ralph "Reb" Blythe, Jr., Robert (Jennifer) Aultman, Michelle Aultman, and Patricia Aultman, and Stephanie Fritz; two great-grandchildren, Ralph Blythe III and Bryan Blythe; one brother, Alan Kovac; two sisters, Ann Marie (Joseph) Gruszka and Janet (Robert) Schick; married to Virginia, his former spouse for over 34 years; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins also survive. Funeral Services for Ronald M. Grafstrom will be Friday, October 25, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rd., Joliet. As it was Ronald's request, Cremation Rites have been accorded. Inurnment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded under the auspices of the United States Air Force. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to the Tinley Park Korean War Veterans Association #23 Scholarship Fund would be appreciated. Visitation FRIDAY MORNING at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at 11:30 a.m. For information: 815-741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Oct. 24, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Grafstrom

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

My heartfelt condolences. May the God of all comfort be with all of Ronnie's family and friends during this time of intense grief, and always. (1 Cor 15:26)I'm very sorry for your loss.

J K

October 27, 2013

Please accept my deepest condolences. From the warm words used to describe him, I know he will be missed. Continue to draw strength from God through prayer. Jeremiah 29:12, 13

Lynn

October 24, 2013

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in Ronald Grafstrom's name

Memorial Events
for Ronald Grafstrom

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory - Joliet Chapel

3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet, IL 60431

How to support Ronald's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Ronald Grafstrom's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more