Harold E. Linstrom Jr.
December 11, 1929 — February 26, 2025
March 6, 2025 – 10:00am cst
Harold “Hal” E. Lindstrom, 95, of Romeoville, Illinois, formerly of South Wilmington, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, in Romeoville.
Born on December 11, 1929, in Joliet, Illinois, Harold was the son of the late Harold Lindstrom Sr. and Mary Cordaro (Spafford). A 1948 graduate of Lockport High School, he later attended Joliet Junior College under the GI Bill. During the Korean War, he served honorably for 15 months—a period during which he met his beloved wife, Barbara Lamar, at an army officers’ dance. Following his discharge, they married and shared 63 wonderful years together.
Harold’s career was marked by versatility and dedication. In his early years, he worked as a lifeguard, mechanic, and press operator before embarking on a distinguished 50-year tenure at New England Life Insurance, where he rose from salesman to District Manager and Financial Advisor.
A devoted community member, Harold was a longtime participant at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Dwight, Illinois, serving as chairman for the church’s major addition, Bowman’s Hall. He was also actively involved in education and civic life through 16 years of service on School Board, with Valley View School District 365U—including four years as President—and through leadership roles in the Lockport Rotary Club and the Life Underwriter’s Group.
An avid outdoorsman, Harold enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and skiing. He cherished family camping trips and, later in life, treasured cruises with Barbara. His zest for life was captured in his frequent remark, “I had a ball.”
Harold is survived by his children, Jeffrey Lindstrom and Karen (Jim) Ketelaar; his grandchildren, Erik (Lana) Ketelaar, Taylor Ketelaar, Natalie (Bret) Bozeman, and Angela Shapiro; and his great-grandchildren, Jordan Barbara Bozeman and Payton Halle Bozeman; and a niece and nephew.
He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Lindstrom Sr.; his mother, Mary (nee Spafford) Cordaro; his daughter, Kathy (nee Lindstrom) Shapiro; his wife, Barbara (nee Lamar) Lindstrom; his sister Norma (nee Lindstrom) Fracaro; his stepmother, Evelyn (nee Dixon) Lindstrom and his stepfather, Vince Cordaro.
In his final two years, Harold resided at Storypoint in Romeoville. His life—characterized by hard work, deep devotion to family, and a commitment to community—will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. The family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel,102 E. Francis Rd, New Lenox, Illinois 60451, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 3-8 PM. Funeral Service, Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM in the funeral home chapel, Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park, 23060 W. Jefferson St, Joliet, Illinois 60431. In lieu of flowers, donations to Emmanuel Lutheran church, Dwight, Illinois.
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