Roy Lundstrom Jr., former director of the Lake Venoah chemical dependency retreat long affiliated with the Duluth Bethel, passed away Oct. 6, 2020.
Lundstrom was born and raised in Duluth and graduated from Central High School. After serving in World War II and working as a railroad switch operator, he found what his family described in his obituary as “a second career and his calling” as a chemical dependency counselor and director at Lake Venoah, in Carlton County.
For decades, the retreat was affiliated with the Bethel and served individuals seeking treatment and recovery from substance abuse disorder.
“Roy was an important part of Lake Venoah and our region’s recovery community,” said Bethel Executive Director Dennis Cummings. “We celebrate his life and service and know that he had impact on many people who came to Lake Venoah seeking a new chapter filled with hope and healing.”
A small service was held Monday for family and friends at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Saginaw. A celebration of his life is planned for later. The family asks that donations remembering Lundstrom be made to the Bethel. Gifts can be made either through the “donate” button on the home page of the Bethel website’s or by mailing them to: Duluth Bethel, c/o Executive Director Dennis Cummings, 23 Mesaba Ave., Duluth, MN, 55806.
Read Lundstrom’s full obituary here.