Ronald C. Almgren, M.D.

1929-2024

Ronald C. Almgren, M.D., beloved Tucson Pediatrician in private practice from 1963-1994, passed away peacefully of natural causes at his Tucson residence at the age of 94 on January 10, 2024.

Dr. Almgren was born in 1929 to Russell and Edna Almgren in Moline, Illinois. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics and his Doctor of Medicine Degree from the University of Louisville and afterward served in the Army at Ft. Riley Kansas as a Pediatrician. He subsequently moved to Tucson in 1962 to open his private practice near St. Joseph’s Hospital and worked closely with the local Sisters of St Joseph of Carondelet to develop the pediatric program there. Dr. Almgren was passionate about providing the highest quality patient care and was of the generation of physicians who made house calls and hospital visits without concern of the time or day and looked upon his patients as his extended family. He was kind, compassionate, and well respected by both colleagues and patients.

Everyone who knew him was aware of how much he enjoyed creating watercolor paintings. During the busiest years of his medical practice, watercolor classes turned out to be just what he needed as an outlet for creativity and learning. He liked the challenge and the process. He was quite talented and shared copies of his paintings as Christmas cards for many years.

Dr. Almgren was known for his friendly and truthful bedside manner and his sense of humor for life’s small and large moments. He was also known for wearing his trademark bolo ties.

Authentically devoted to his Christian faith, Dr. Almgren worshipped at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church for many years and more recently at Tanque Verde Lutheran Church. He was a long-time member of the Tucson Breakfast Lion’s Club supporting their service projects related to vision and hearing.

Dr. Almgren is preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Hallam Almgren; daughter, Laura Almgren Stephy; and son, Walter Almgren.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Jacqueline Almgren; daughter, Kimberle Almgren Kennedy; sons, Steven Almgren and Thomas Almgren; stepdaughters, Karen Hermeling Fleischmann, Connie Hermeling Van Ornum, and Diana Hermeling Ross; and stepson, Mark Hermeling; 15 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.