Rich, over the years, your life and friendship with me has redeemed the words, "Christian Man" and the word, "Father".  I loved your expression when I whispered in your ear that you redeemed important things for me in life.  You've given me the loving, genuine,  welcoming acceptance with integrity that redeemed the unloving, unselfish "other" professing Christian men in my life.  I could always trust you.  

Thank you for your gentle care, your easily laugh, and even for complaining that I didn't come often enough..cuz you were starting to forget that I was just there!   I think maybe if I'd have moved in that would've made you happy!  Your wit was  charming...and got funnier and funnier as your dementia got worse. I always said, "your wit will go last"....and it did....as we all were saying for you that we KNOW would have been quipped by you if you were talking during this last week. 

 What sweet memories I have during that last week of holding your hand while you slept, hopefully calming down your worries about all the medical things happening, singing Day by Day to you and a few more hymns Roger and I could remember,  Please forgive us for that stay at LakeVue.  It was so hard to see you so unhappy and neglected for those two weeks.   You've been released to Eternity...with no pain, no sufferring...and all the Snickers you want!!! Quickly fly to the arms of Jesus - see and visit with your little brother, your son, your mom and dad, your sisters....and even Father Abraham!....or meet anyone you want!!! 

Jinny says she'll be there before you know it!  She loves you bunches.  
I do too.  I miss knowing I'll not see your bright welcoming smile when I walk in!!!  And be able to kiss your soft cheek and get a hug from  you.

What a privilege for me to be "your daughter" in your heart.  
You have been a precious gift to a woman who delighted being in your adopted extended family.  I'm glad to celebrate your life on my birthday.  You were a once in a lifetime gift to me!

Thank you,
See you again....not soon enough!
Beth

Dear Ginny and family:
   Even though Rich and I lost contact in our later years I have special memories of our childhood visits to St. Cloud.  I enjoyed Rich's sense of humor, and the cartoons he drew for Ralph and me.  It is also nice to recall your visit to our cabin at Cross Lake and the brief visit at the Gillette wedding.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  Boyd and Helen Cullen

Jinny,
I am so sorry for your loss...you are in our prayers.
Tina

Dear Jinny, May the Lord give you a peace that passes all understanding during this difficult time. Rich had such a big heart that matched his smile that is how I will remember him. 
God Bless You Denise

Dear Ginny,
I have fond memories of Rich and you from each visit to WA over the years.  I loved his simple ministry of giving out scriptures as I walked into the church services.  I still have some of those verses... He was a blessing, a kind, gentle man whom I will miss on future visits.  One day, though I will see him again.  My prayers are with you during this time of loss.
Carolann McAfee

Rich and Jinny were "part of the family" for the years we lived in Seattle and would visit the Hillerstroms for many holiday gatherings. Rich was always such a dear. He was always extremely attentive. He never missed a trick. You couldn't get anything past him. He was always involved in every conversation. He was so much fun to talk to. He had a great story ready with just about any subject. And oh, so much fun with quick wit. We will miss him so.

Jinny - God bless in the coming days! What a terrific wife you were! Thanks for the example. I know how much you will miss the man you loved so much and so well.

Donna Henderson for Bill & Kimi too

Rich was a very sweet man who always made me feel special.  Of course I had a little bit of an advantage in that we were shirt-tail relatives from Minn-e-sOta!!  Rich's cousin is my uncle thru marriage.  

But Rich made EVERYONE feel special - and truly loved to greet us at church every Sunday with his scripture cards.  So many times those scriptures were exactly what I needed that particular time of my life.   What a great servant AND lover of our Lord.

Well Rich - you are NOW with the Lord,  enjoying HIS glory - and He's enjoying your special wit.  Plus I wouldn't be at all surprised if my dad has found you by now, and you're sharing all kinds of corny Swedish Ole and Lena jokes, and eating lefse, lutefisk & pickled herring!!

I'm blessed to play for your memorial tomorrow -- all HYMNS at that!

Love you dear man!    

Vicki

OBITUARY

Richard Carl Liljenberg,

December 31, 1969 – December 31, 1969

Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home & Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services