Nels Lundgren

Nels T. “Ted” Lundgren, age 84 years, of Niles, Michigan died on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles following an extended illness. He was born May 26, 1928 in Niles to Aaron & Emma (Peterson) Lundgren.

Ted was a 1946 graduate of Niles High School where he played on the first Niles High School baseball team. He served in the United States Army, returning as a veteran of the Korean Conflict. After retiring from New York Central Rail Road Company as an engineer, Ted and his family lived in Arlington Heights, Illinois for 10 years, while he worked for the Federal Aviation Agency. In his retirement, Ted taught himself the trade of clock repair, and would tinker with most any timepiece, from pocket watches to mantel clocks. Ted always had a passion for baseball and in 1970, he and four other men founded the Babe Ruth Baseball League in Niles.

On July 18, 1953 in Angola, Indiana, Ted married the former Janet L. Jerue, who preceded him in death on October 2, 2002.

From their union survives a son; Jeff (& wife Julie) Lundgren of Rochester Hills, Michigan and two grandchildren; Jeff and Joey Lundgren. Also surviving is one sister; Arlene Brown of Niles.

Ted was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 50 years; Janet, his parents and brother Albert Lundgren.

Funeral services for Nels T. “Ted” Lundgren will be held at 1:00p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2013 at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with Chaplin Cynthia Leigh Van Parys of Lakeland HealthCare, officiating. Interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 11:00a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Donations in memory of Ted may be made to the Greater Niles Baseball League at Thomas Stadium.