Our Founding Father, George Oscar Ahlstrand

Classic Design Awards, Inc.

In Memoriam of our Founding Father...

George Oscar Ahlstrand passed away the morning of Sunday, March 25th, 2012 at Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington. Born in Chicago on April 19, 1928 to Swedish immigrants Viola (nee Dahlstrom) and Oscar Ahlstrand. He raised a family in Lake Forest/Libertyville and later resided in Skokie before retiring in 1991 to Hot Springs Village, AR. Returning to N. Illinois in 2002, he lived in Round Lake with his loving wife of 51 years, Judith “Judy” (nee Steiger). He was an avid woodworker and partnered Ridgeway Woodworking Co. for 30 years with his only brother-in-law Leonard (Violet) Swanson. He started Classic Design Awards in 1978, in the basement of our Lake Forest home. To say George was “good with his hands” is an understatement, having built a boat, a car, numerous additions and house renovations, hundreds of car, airplane and ship models, bird houses, stained glass artwork, furniture, dog houses, sheds, shelving units and even toys. He also enjoyed golf, fishing, Pinochle, Hearts, poker games with friends and family, Glögg at Christmas time and sweets all the time. His annoying whistling when winning at cards will be deeply missed. George is preceded in death by his parents, first wife Bonnie (Steiger), son Charles “Chuck” (Minnie) Ahlstrand, and Leonard Swanson. He is survived by his wife, Judy; sister, Violet; daughters Christine (Dan) Bates, Kim Filkin, and Jill McGovern; and sons Scott (Milka) Ahlstrand and Gary (Debbie) Ahlstrand; 16 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, March 30, commencing at 11:30 a.m. (Visitation at 10:30) at Strang Funeral Chapel in Grayslake. A luncheon celebration will be held immediately following - details provided at service. Donations in George's memory to Save-A-Pet (click here) would be gratefully appreciated by the family. It was a place he loved to visit.