Rev. Robert E. Liljegren

The Reverend Robert Liljegren, 97, died in his sleep on Tuesday May 10, 2022, three weeks following the death of Mary Louise Liljegren, his wife of 73 years.

 Robert (Bob), Liljegren, the second son of Herbert and Edna Liljegren, was born on October 4, 1924, in Moline Illinois.  He was educated in the Moline schools. Upon graduating from high school in 1943, he was inducted into the United States Navy where he served for three years. After graduating from Augustana College, he enrolled in North Park Seminary in Chicago, and was ordained into the ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church of America in 1957. He married Mary Louise Larson in 1949, and together, over the course of forty years, the couple served churches in Osage City Kansas, Lake Geneva Wisconsin, Stambaugh Michigan, Worcester Massachusetts, Paxton Illinois, Chicago, and Glen Ellyn Illinois.  He served on various boards and commissions for his denomination and taught homiletics at his alma mater, North Park Seminary for several years. Upon retiring, Bob and Mary Lou returned to Worcester to be close to their children and grandchildren, all of whom lived in New England.

He is survived by his children, Joy Hennig and her companion, Gloria Beaudry of Worcester, Joanne Csaplar of Groton, and  Steven Liljegren and his wife Karen, also of Groton. One child, Robert Scott, died in infancy.   In addition, he leaves seven beloved grandchildren, Kristina Hepburn (Scott), Joseph Liljegren (Paige LaBreche), Amelia Hall (Karl), Richard Csaplar (Dee), Peter Liljegren (Isa Gama), Scott Csaplar, and Annika Liljegren.  Two great-children, Angelina (Lina) Johnson, 6, and five-month-old Lucas Scott Hepburn, had the opportunity to spend a short time with their great-grandfather in his final days. Two brothers, Reverend William and John Liljegren, preceded him in death.  His youngest brother, Tom, lives in Copper Harbor Michigan. Several nieces and nephews also survive him.

Bob was a quiet man whose demeanor sometimes masked a wry sense of humor.  He was a devoted father and grandfather who loved nothing more than spending time with his family. He enjoyed reading (especially history), listening to music (especially Mozart) and watching sports. He was a life-long diehard Cubs fan (although the Red Sox would do in a pinch), and he truly rejoiced when his team won the Word Series in 2016.

Bob’s deep faith, inspired preaching, commitment to inclusion and social justice, rock-solid integrity, and especially his kindness, served as an example for all who loved him, and won the trust and respect of many whose lives he touched.

The family wishes to thank all of those who helped care for the Liljegrens in their final days, especially Anne, April, and the staff at Briarwood.

A joint memorial service honoring the life and legacy of Bob and Mary Lou Liljegren will take place on Friday, July 15 at 2:00 p.m. at Salem Covenant Church in Worcester.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home.  A guest book is available at www.shaw-majercik.com where you may offer condolences, share fond memories, or light a candle in remembrance of Reverend Robert Liljegren.

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