Our prayers go out to the Rydberg Family

In Memoriam of Earl Charles Rydberg 1929 - 2010

After a long and happy life, Earl passed away in his sleep on Saturday, July 17, 2010 at his home in Oxnard.


He was born Feb. 16, 1929 in Wawatossa, Wis., to Frank and Bertha Rydberg. Soon after his birth, the family moved to Vincennes, Ind., where he lived until he was eight years old. At that time his family moved to Sheboygan, Wis. There he attended St Paul's Lutheran Elementary School and North High School where he enjoyed being on the stage crew all four years and he lettered in football and track.


After graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Lorraine Scherhaufer, and together they had five children. In Wisconsin, he worked for Polarware Co. and later started in the construction business. In 1956, Lorraine became ill and the family moved to California to seek better medical care. Lorraine's condition continued to worsen and, in 1958, she passed away.


As time went on, Earl joined the Savants, a club for Catholic singles. There, in 1962, he met Mary Olsen, a daughter of a Conejo Valley pioneer family. Just six months later, they were married at Assumption Church in Ventura. After a honeymoon in San Francisco and Yosemite, the couple returned to their home on East Poplar Street in Oxnard where five more children were added to their family.


After coming to California, Earl worked for Raytheon in Oxnard and then in the summer of 1964 Earl opened a home center in Nyland Acres and started his own construction company, Earl C. Rydberg, Inc. Later he also became a real estate broker. During the following years, he built and remodeled many homes in Ventura County as well as building many additions.


Earl was very devoted to his Catholic faith and attended daily mass for over 50 years. During this time he trained alter boys at St. Anthony's, his parish in Oxnard. In July 1993, the Most Reverend Thomas Curry, the Regional Bishop, bestowed on upon Earl the Papal honor "Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice." The honor, which translates into "For the Church and for the Holy Father," recognizes a personal commitment both to the Church and to the Holy Father, successor to Peter and Vicor of Christ among us.


Earl was also a life member of the Oxnard Knights of Columbus, Council 750. Earl always enjoyed spending time with his children, especially when it involved baseball or camping. Earl was a diehard Dodgers fan and enjoyed the team whether listening on the radio, watching on TV or, best of all, driving a load of children and friends to a game. He was one of the founders of Statham Little League in South Oxnard, a leader in the Indian Guides, and helped create the Father and Son Pioneers. He was also active in the Boy Scouts as a leader of Troop 253 and attended the 1993 National Jamboree in Virginia.


Another of Earl's favorite pastimes was eating at McDonald's, especially enjoying ice cream or coffee. During the years, Earl and Mary made many wonderful road trips with their children. The highlight of Earl's travels was his trip to Rome where he attended mass at the Vatican celebrated by Pope John Paul II. On his travels he also liked to find a new McDonald's to enjoy a cup of coffee or ice cream.


Earl is survived by Mary, his wife of 47 years; his five sons, Peter Rydberg (Cathy), Jeff Rydberg, Frank Rydberg, Daniel Rydberg (Susan) and James Rydberg (Sarah); his five daughters, Suzanne Hafar (Ed), Gail Bordenkircher (Dick), Sharon Ward, Rose McIssac (Aymeric), Kathleen Donlon (Sean); 28 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Helen Wiseman and Linda Milizio.


A Rosary will be recited and a viewing held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 21 at St. Anthony's Church at 2511 South C Street in Oxnard. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Msgr. Jon Majarucon at St. Anthony's Church at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 22. Burial will be at Santa Clara Cemetery in Oxnard.


In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House at 4560 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029 or www.larmh.org.

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