Ralph H Hogstrom

Ralph H. Hogstrom, age 85 of Morton Grove, formerly of Wilmette, beloved Husband of Elaine (nee Strebel), loving Father of Cindy (Bernard) Brechlin and Bonnie (late William) Roth; cherished Grandfather to Kim Novovesky, Shaun Brechlin and Charlie (Sarah) Roth; dear Brother of Ronald (Marylyn) Hogstrom; Fond Uncle and Cousin to many in the U.S. and Sweden.

After completing Lane Technical High School with his brother Ron, Ralph joined the Army. and served in West Germany whereafter he was Honorably Discharged. Ralph then joined his father Henry at their Skokie tool and dye business - Henro Manufacturing. Henro Mfg. serviced the CTA, manufactured parts for the construction of fire engines, and fabricated myriad speciality parts. His Company flourished for 50 years and was noted for its proud flying of the American Flag daily.

In 1959 Ralph married Patricia, and with that became the Father of 10 year old, Cindy. Sadly, Pat passed away in 1968. Cindy will always remember this good, kind and loving man who came into her young life. Be became her devoted Dad in every way as he helped guide her through her teen years as she grew to be a young lady. She recalls the times of Joy he brought to her on vacations with her Grandparents Henry and Dee and Uncle Ron' s family, fishing at Hamlin Lake, or water skiing in Minnesota. He was there in difficult times as well, comforting her as he shared the sorrow of her Mom' s passing and the challenging time that followed. Then too, he was there to Support her as he walked her down the aisle on her wedding day. He would be there to share his quiet Wisdom with his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. Unconditional Love, Joy, Comfort, Support, and Wisdom are the hallmarks of a truly Good Man. God can call for nothing more of a man, and Ralph, a gentle giant, gave no less in answering that call.

In 1972 Ralph met, fell in love with and married Elaine with whom he would share the rest of his life. He was further blessed for having gained a Mother-in-law, Thyra Strebel, and another devoted daughter, Bonnie Roth.

Ralph and Elaine were active and well known in their Wilmette Community for 50 years. Active seems a bit of an understatement. Ralph was a member of the Michigan Shores Club, where he for among other things was known for his bowling. He loved his hobby of singing, so he was a member of multiple singing clubs including the Orphei, the Waukegan Swedish Glee Club as well as the American Union of Swedish Singers and other Swedish Organizations. If those were not enough to satisfy his love of song, he was a member of the Wilmette Lutheran Church Choir. In addition to these activities, Ralph was a 60 year Mason and part of the Pleiades Lodge 478-A.F. & A.M..

What then did Ralph do with his spare time? VOLUNTEER, whereever and whenever needed. He called out bingo numbers, got special Swedish food for Yulmiddag, cooked the famous Swedish Herring Breakfast and took on Secretary and Treasurer duties for the clubs. And, his dear Family and Friends will never forget his annual summer fish boils.

Yet, Ralph never allowed the time he spent sharing his voice in song, supporting the good works of his Lodge and his Swedish brotherhoods, and the charitable volunteer activities of his Church to effect the time he devoted to the ones he so loved. Ralph was at his best as a husband, father and grandfather. Whether he was tending to their interests and needs or simply spending the time just to cook up a batch of Swedish Pancakes, Ralph was always there.

He will be fondly remembered by people whose lives’ he lovingly touched.

Our celebration of his life is expected to take place May 17 & 18th. We will update further details.