Richard Lundberg, former rector at Arlington Heights church, dies at 91

The Rev. Richard Lundberg, who successfully led a capital campaign that changed the footprint and reach of St. Simon Episcopal Church in Arlington Heights, has died.

Lundberg, who served as church rector for 15 years, died Nov. 12. He was 91.

Lundberg arrived at St. Simon in 1975, after spending nearly 25 years as an ordained priest. He served as far away as northeastern Utah, working as a missionary with the Ute tribe on the Uintah County Indian Reservation, as well as at churches in Chicago, DeKalb and Riverside.

"When he came, he immediately saw the need for a better church school, as a way of engaging young people in the church," said Robert Arnold of Arlington Heights, a longtime congregation member.

Within three years of arriving in Arlington Heights, Lundberg led the installation of new stained-glass windows in the church, followed by a $465,000 capital campaign that resulted in a new pipe organ and a two-story classroom building in 1981 and 1982, respectively.

Both improvements continue to enhance the church, congregation members say. The organ is used extensively in services, and the additional classroom space has resulted in a strong youth program.

Church members describe Lundberg as an imposing man with a strong, bass voice. His love of storytelling, mixed with historical context in his sermons, drew people into a deeper faith life.

"Since I've arrived, I've seen the evidence of his ministry in concrete ways that go beyond the capital improvements," said the Rev. Elizabeth Jameson, St. Simon's current rector. "The sheer love and manifestation of generosity and faithfulness bears witness to the strength of his ministry."

Jameson was named pastor of the church in 2013. Lundberg initially opposed the ordination of women as Episcopal priests, but he warmed to Jameson's leadership almost immediately, she said.

"He could not have been more clear about affirming my ministry," Jameson said. "That speaks volumes about how deeply faithful a person he was, who remained open to the spirit of God throughout."

Lundberg retired in 1990 but continued to serve as a supply priest to many Northwest suburban churches for the next 20 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, as well as his daughter Sarah and son Mark. Lundberg is survived by a his daughter Molly (David) Baker and his son James (Pauline) Lundberg, as well as 10 grandchildren.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday before an 11 a.m. funeral service, both at St. Simon Episcopal Church, 717 W. Kirchoff Road in Arlington Heights.