Ronald Andrew Sundberg

RAPID RIVER — Ronald Andrew Sundberg, 93, of Rapid River, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, at Lakeview Assisted Living in Gladstone, after a 13-year vacation there. Ron was far too social to spend his final chapter alone at home. They called him their “Mascot” at Lakeview. Ron was born on July 25, 1931, in Ensign, Michigan. The son of Andrew (Andy) and Ellen Sundberg (Bowman), who preceded him in death. Ron started his education in a one-room school in Ensign and graduated from Rapid River High School. He then sailed the Great Lakes, working on ore boats before joining the United States Navy, where he worked as a mechanic on the U.S.S. Midway and traveled to Italy and Greece. After leaving the Navy, Ronald took what we today call a “gap year” and hitchhiked across all four corners of the United States. Returning home to the family farm in Ensign, he then attended Michigan State College, now known as Michigan State University, where he received a certificate in agriculture. He was hired the same day he applied for a job at Mead Paper in Escanaba, where he worked until he retired more than 30 years later.

Ron never met a stranger, and if he did, they usually became friends. In 1962, Ron married Ruth Larrabee in Calvary Lutheran Church of Rapid River, MI, where they were members for the rest of their lives. Ron belonged to the American Legion, Swedish Club, and Mead Retirement Club. His favorite activities were fishing, farming, snowmobiling, visiting with friends and attending all the sporting events of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Ron is survived by his 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren: Mike (Mary) Larrabee of Rapid River, MI (Brock, Jolee, Kevin, Jared, Jaden, and Troy). Pat (Francie) Larrabee of Rapid River, MI (Ben, Carly, Luke, Will, Farrah, David, Danielle, Sam, Jessica, Riggs, Vaughn, Nash, Danny, Ashley, Finn, and Brooks). Scott (Sarah) Sundberg of Spring Arbor, MI (Simon, Lenore, and Sidra). Gail Walser of Naples, FL & Rapid River, MI. Ron was also preceded in death by his 2 sisters, Thelma Hess and Clarice Lyons.

Ron’s family would like to thank Lakeview Assisted Living for the many years of compassionate care. The staff and volunteers were among many he called “friends.” Sarah Viau of Hospice was especially dedicated to Ron’s comfort and family communications. Special lifelong friend, Joanne Christoff, spent time each week with Ron, giving him communion, prayers, and sharing old-time memories. Our brother, Mike Larrabee, and his wife, Mary, who kept his promise to our mother, Ruth, to take care of Ron forever. And lastly and most importantly, Jolee, Kevin, Jared, Jaden, Troy, Skandi, and Maybel Schwartz, who visited and shared their lives with Grandpa Ron the whole 13 years he was at Lakeview.

A Celebration of Life for Ron will be held on his 94th Birthday, Friday, July 25 at 12 p.m. at the Calvary Lutheran Church of Rapid River with Pastor Tommy Wimsae officiating.

Luncheon in Calvary Fellowship Hall following service. All are welcome at Rapid River Cemetery, where Ron will be laid to rest next to Ruth with Military Honors presented by the Rapid River American Legion Post 301 at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Calvary Lutheran Church or the Delta Animal Shelter.

The family is being assisted by the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. To leave a message of condolence, go to http://www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.