Ralph Dahlstrom

Ralph H. "Swede" Dahlstrom, 78, passed away Monday, March 27, 2006 in Topeka. He was born November 12, 1927 in Topeka, the son of Harry and Gerda Meline-Dahlstrom. He grew up in Highland Park, where he attended both elementary and high school.
Ralph married Barbara Jean Murphy on April 16, 1949 in Topeka, where the couple has made their home. Ralph was a Union Carpenter, and retired from M.W. Watson after 47 years of professional carpentry. Ralph was proud of his work, and especially of his finish work on the completion of Most Pure Heart of Mary Church in Topeka. He belonged to Carpenters Local Union # 1445, and the Moose Lodge of Topeka. Even in his spare time Ralph enjoyed woodworking and woodturning to which he was a true craftsman.
Ralph was preceded in death by a sister Margit.
Surviving is his wife, Barbara Jean of the home; sons: Steven M. (Sylvia), and Greg L. (Becky), and grandson, Jason Dahlstrom, all of Topeka. He is also survived by his niece Linda Wilken, and by numerous great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 1, at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave, with burial to follow at Bethel Cemetery in Tecumseh. Mr. Dahlstrom will lie in state after 1:00 p.m. Friday, at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. that evening. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association of Kansas, 4300 SW Drury Lane, Topeka, 66604, or to Highland Park United Methodist Church, 2914 SE Michigan, Topeka, 66605.