Sven "Gus" Ljunggren

Sven “Gus” Gustav Ljunggren, 88, of Crystal Lake, passed away on March 14, 2026. He was born in Chicago, IL on April 17, 1937, to Sven and Lillian (Oglesby) Ljunggren, the third of four children.

On February 18, 1956, Gus married the love of his life, Janet Rinkle. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and welcoming others. They raised four children and were blessed to see their family grow to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Janet preceded him in death in December 2023 after 67 wonderful years of marriage.

Gus proudly served his country in the United States Navy and later dedicated 28 years of service as an Illinois State Police officer before retiring. His career reflected the same steady character, integrity, and sense of service that defined the rest of his life. A devoted member of Fellowship of Faith Church in McHenry, Gus lived out his faith through his care for others and his involvement with church ministries, prison outreach, and the Crystal Lake Food Pantry.

Family was the center of Gus’s world. He loved gathering everyone together for family parties and treasured every moment spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was especially proud of watching his grandkids play sports and rarely missed a chance to cheer them on. Gus had a welcoming spirit and a generous heart, often opening his home and his life to others who needed a place to belong.

Those who knew Gus will remember his caring nature, his loving sarcasm, and his sense of humor that could lighten any room. He was proud of his Swedish heritage and carried that pride throughout his life.

Gus is survived by his children, Eric, Theresa Malott, Karen Pfaffinger (Jim), and Curt (Kristi); grandchildren, Melissa, Wesley, Shannon, Heather, Jimmy, Chad, Caitlin, Haley, Joe Gunnar, Kyle, Caleb, Lauren, and Madison; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet; his parents Sven & Lillian; and siblings, Ingrid (Paul) Knasel, Pearl (John) Peterson, and Karl (Verna) Ljunggren.

A memorial visitation will be held Friday, April 10, from 11:00 a.m. until the memorial service at 12:30 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake.

Gus will be remembered as a man of steady faith, a devoted husband and father, and someone who made others feel welcomed, valued, and loved.