| Birth: | Aug. 1, 1921, Sweden | | Death: | Nov. 18, 2000, USA | 
Reno Lennart Alfred Ahlgard, 79, of Lake Holiday, passed away Saturday, November 18, 2000 at his home. He had been a resident of Lake Holiday since 1978.
He was born August 1, 1921 in Osterfarnebo Gestrickland, Sweden, the son of Anders and Anny Ahlgard. He received the title "Ninth Earl of Gestrickland" upon the death of his grandfather in 1925.
Not being an American, he grew up with the Natives of North America and the Bush people of Australia and Africa. Reno came to this country in 1928, unable to speak English, but could read, write and speak in five languages; Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, German and French. Believing that literature was an integral part of early education, Reno's grandfather raised him with the stories of the Vikings, Homer and Shakespeare.
Reno attended college at the University of Nevada, graduating with a degree in Engineering. He was voted and elected a member of the Engineer Society of Chicago and New York, for which he was very proud. He earned and received the Knights Templar in Masonry in 1947, and has been a member for over 50 years. Reno was also a member of the NRA for 50 years where he was nominated and accepted into the Legion of Honor.
Reno studied cooking, became a chef in some of the finest hotels in the country, and was considered a gourmet chef by his peers. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, hunting in Africa, India and North America, but was a true conservationist. He was a licensed guide in the Yukon Territory, and was well respected in his trade.
In 1939, Reno met the love of his life, Adelaide (Dee) Scarmuzzi, and they were united in marriage in Chicago, Illinois. They celebrated 61 wonderful years together.
From September 1942 until December of 1945, Reno was enlisted in the United States Army, serving in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes and Rhineland. He received the following honors; one service stripe, four overseas service bars, an American Campaign Medal, the European, African and Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with four bronze battle stars, a Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Medal. Reno was also a Scout Master of the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts for seven years. "I have lived by my beliefs, principles, and ethics.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, November 22, 2000 at The Turner Funeral Home in Somonauk with the Rev. Davis officiating. Interment will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Sandwich, IL. Visitation will be on Tuesday, November 21, 2000 from 3:00 until 9:00 PM at the Turner Funeral Home in Somonauk.
Reno is survived by his wife, Dee of Lake Holiday; four children, Jack (Karen) Ahlgard of Bensenville, IL, Cynthia (Richard) Spoerr of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Lyle (Evelyn) Ahlgard of Franklin Park, IL, and Diann (Joseph) Swartz of St. Petersburg, FL; eight grandchildren; Debra, Michaelene, Steven, John, Alan, Kevin, Sabrina, and Brian; three great grandchildren; Andrea Jacklyn, and Mark.
He is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Alice and Astrid and one grandson, Daniel.
| | | Burial:
Oak Ridge Cemetery
Sandwich
DeKalb County
Illinois, USA |
Created by: James Seidelman
Record added: Nov 19, 2000
Find A Grave Memorial# 5098329 |
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Added by:
Amber Rose
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Cemetery Photo
Added by:
MLSchuett
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Thinking of you a year later. Wish I had the chance to know you better. Love, Leah (Penna)
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Leah McDonald
Added: Nov. 20, 2001 |
WE MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER OUR VETERANS. If we don't remember, then we as American's will have truly failed.
-Anonymous
Added: Apr. 11, 2001 |
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