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Donald Henry “Don” Rystrom

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Donald Henry “Don” Rystrom

Birth	:	1 Feb 1925 Chico, Butte County, California, USA
Death	:	6 Feb 2022 Chico, Butte County, California, USA
Burial	:	Glen Oaks Memorial Park, Chico, Butte County, USA
Coordinate	:	39.7076721, -121.8084641
Description	:	Donald Henry Rystrom was born February 1, 1925, in Chico, California, lived life well for 97 years, and passed away on February 6, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was born to Henry and Judith Rystrom, who had settled in Richvale, Ca. in around 1910 and had been one of the original rice farming families in the area. They were both children of Swedish emigrants and were instrumental in founding the Swedish church in Richvale as well as Butte County Rice Growers Association. When Don was young, he developed spinal meningitis and lost nearly a full year of school... Read More	Donald Henry Rystrom was born February 1, 1925, in Chico, California, lived life well for 97 years, and passed away on February 6, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was born to Henry and Judith Rystrom, who had settled in Richvale, Ca. in around 1910 and had been one of the original rice farming families in the area. They were both children of Swedish emigrants and were instrumental in founding the Swedish church in Richvale as well as Butte County Rice Growers Association. When Don was young, he developed spinal meningitis and lost nearly a full year of school but was nursed back to health by his sister LaVerne to whom Don was forever grateful. He also had an older brother (Philip) who died prior to Don's birth. During his school years he also missed some class time time due to needing to help on the farm. But he tried not to miss being there on "game day" so he could play in the football games. After high school, Don served in the Navy and spent time in the Philippines near the end of WWll. When he returned home he met and married the "new girl in town" Marjorie Bjorklund (also a Swede). Marge's dad said he saw the writing on the wall when early in their courtship, Don "nearly fell out of the window of the pick-up" while vigorously waving at his potential future father-in-law as he drove by. Their marriage took place on March 22 of 1947 and over the years from 1949– 1960 had 4 children, Rebecca, Steven, Susan and Laurie. They balanced life well with family, work, church, business and community involvement, helping those who were less fortunate, enjoying many hobbies, and supporting their children's sports and activities. He was involved with Farm Bureau, Flying Farmers, Bucra (Richvale) Seed Growers, a land levelling business, coaching Little League, and supporting Trinity Western University, the Oroville Rescue Mission and many many missionaries. When asked how many years of rice crops, he had harvested, the answer was a little tricky because he was harvesting during years that he was still in school – but a good estimate was from about 1942 until this past harvest of 2022 – right around 80 seasons! He loved his 1996 John Deere CTS harvester and often said it was his favorite and most comfortable place to sit. Over the years, Don and Marge travelled often and they were "Rick Steves type" travelers before there were a "Rick Steves" travel book. They were interested in a lot more than sight-seeing and being entertained. They loved meeting and visiting people, and learning something about other cultures and countries. Don and Marge enjoyed almost 50 years together until Marge's death in 1996. Not long after, Don married Rosalind Sievert joining her family to Don's family. They enjoyed only about a year together until Rosalind died of cancer in 1998. In 2000, Don married Marj Lattin and they recently celebrated their 22nd anniversary. Marj welcomed the role of instant grandmother with love and grace. Don was loved by many and was a father figure, role model and friend to a wide variety of people. He had a repertoire of "dad jokes" and a catchy phrases from songs for just about any occasion – even up until the last few days of life. He helped others when they needed help but never in a way that led to the thought that they 'owed him one'. Up until the end, he remained humble and grateful always thanking those who were helping him. There was never a point at which he felt that he "had arrived" but always desired to continue to be transformed by Jesus living in him and seeing where changes were needed. He lived by the Biblical idea that "if you're still alive, God has a purpose for you" (Acts 13:36). He was a wonderful gift to us all! Don was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Judith Rystrom, sister, LaVerne Rystrom, brother, Philip, wife Marge, wife Rosalind, and his son-in-law Dennis Sundbeck. Don is survived by his wife Marj, daughter Becky Sundbeck, son Steve Rystrom (Vivie), daughters Susan Stone (Gary), Laurie Morrisssey (Tom), grandchildren Lisa Sundbeck, Lindsey Pershern (Scott), Carrie Zinnacker (Ben), Sarah Cockrell (Lane), Katie Cook (Kevin), Peter Rystrom (Carissa), Lena Dumler (Kevin), Polly Ertis (Brandon), Phillip Stone (Shawntel), Andy Stone (Ashley), Ruthie Laubinger (Jeremy), Matt Stone (Morgan), Quinn Morrissey, McKenna Morrissey and 21 (and counting) great grandchildren. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at the Evangelical Free Church of Richvale on Sunday, February 27 at 2:00 pm. Donations may be made to: Trinity Western University (twu.ca), the Oroville Rescue Mission (orovillerescuemission.org) or the Evangelical Free Church of Richvale (richvalechurch.com).

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Donald Henry “Don” Rystrom's memorial?
Donald Henry “Don” Rystrom's memorial is located at: Glen Oaks Memorial Park, Chico, Butte County, USA.
When did Donald Henry “Don” Rystrom death?
Donald Henry “Don” Rystrom death on 6 Feb 2022 in Chico, Butte County, California, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Donald Henry “Don” Rystrom's memorial?
Latitude: 39.7076721
Longitude: -121.8084641

Family Members:

Parent

Spouse

Marjorie Ann “Marge” Bjorklund Rystrom

(1925 - 1996)

Rosalind June Rystrom

(1934 - 1998)

Siblings

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Glen Oaks Memorial Park
Chico, Butte County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7076721, -121.8084641

2. Chico Memorial Mausoleum and Crematory
Chico, Butte County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7346010, -121.8374560

3. Chico Cemetery
Chico, Butte County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7391470, -121.8367800

4. Durham Cemetery
Durham, Butte County, USA
Coordinate: 39.6758003, -121.7688980

5. Mechoopda Indian Cemetery
Chico, Butte County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7328930, -121.8558910

6. Dayton Cemetery
Dayton, Butte County, USA
Coordinate: 39.6520004, -121.8679962

7. Bragg Cemetery
Nord, Butte County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7750980, -121.9568170

8. Martin Family Cemetery
Artois, Glenn County, USA
Coordinate: 39.6087220, -121.9547550

9. Monroeville Cemetery
Butte City, Glenn County, USA
Coordinate: 39.6747760, -122.0002560

10. Nelson Cemetery
Nelson, Butte County, USA
Coordinate: 39.5571410, -121.7694570

11. Centerville Cemetery
Centerville, Butte County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7994003, -121.6461029

12. Clear Creek Cemetery
Butte County, USA
Coordinate: 39.6632996, -121.6138992

13. Nicholl Cemetery
Butte County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8119000, -121.6557500

14. Paradise Cemetery
Paradise, Butte County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7589989, -121.6119995

15. Nimshew Cemetery
Magalia, Butte County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8460007, -121.6200027

16. Skyway Memorial Park
Magalia, Butte County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8059998, -121.5790024

17. Magalia Cemetery
Magalia, Butte County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8088570, -121.5800629

18. Pine Creek Cemetery
Chico, Butte County, USA
Coordinate: 39.8617240, -121.9842480

19. Smith-Lunt Family Cemetery
Yankee Hill, Butte County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7126420, -121.5404070

20. Mound Cemetery
Butte County, USA
Coordinate: 39.5026460, -121.8605080

21. Cohasset Cemetery
Cohasset, Butte County, USA
Coordinate: 39.9124880, -121.7333220

22. Clark Family Cemetery
Yankee Hill, Butte County, USA
Coordinate: 39.6969620, -121.5253210

23. Tebbe Family Cemetery
Deadwood, Butte County, USA
Coordinate: 39.7428450, -121.5256960

24. Cherokee Cemetery
Oroville, Butte County, USA
Coordinate: 39.6410179, -121.5316391