John Lundbom

John Maier Lundbom, 74, of Louisville, KY, passed away on November 16, 2021, having created a life of love, peace, and celebration.

John was born on December 10, 1946, to Marcella Louise Maier Lundbom and Aven John Lundbom, Jr. in Louisville, KY. He graduated Trinity High School in 1965, and then joined the U.S. Air Force and served at the rank of Sergeant as an Accounting and Finance Specialist from 1965-1969 in Texas, North Carolina, and Southeast Asia. John then went on to receive his Associate Degree in Automated Accounting and Business Management from Spencerian College in 1971. While at Spencerian College, he met his wife, Diane Tabeling Lundbom, who knew, just as everyone who loved him did, that he was weird, but had the most beautiful soul. Having married on September 4, 1971, this past September, John and Diane celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, surrounded by close friends and family.

Those fifty years contained celebrations and love of many varieties. John's passion was cooking and, in 1978, he became a Certified Executive Chef by the American Culinary Federation, of which he was a lifetime member at the time of his death. He was also a member of the Les Amis d'Escoffier Society, a nonprofit fraternity that promotes and supports the education of future chefs. Whether serving an exquisite meal to four or four hundred people, or carving a swan from a block of ice or ripe watermelon, care for his customers and coworkers was always a part of the recipe. He served as the Executive Chef and General Manager at Cunningham's Restaurant, Chef/Owner of Lundbom's Deli, Executive Chef and General Manager of The Tavern Club of Louisville, Executive Chef of the Arts Club of Louisville, Chef/Owner of Lundbom's Catering, Executive Chef of Kroger Catering in Louisville, Executive Chef and Area Food Service Manager at Dismas Charities of Louisville, and was a Culinary Consultant for Kraft Food Service, Alliant Food Service, and U.S. Food Service. He medically retired in October 2004.

Beyond his work, John knew the importance of community and creativity and shared his gifts as much as possible. He gave his time to many volunteer organizations, including Catholic Charities of Louisville, the Kentucky Jaycees, the American Culinary Federation, the Kentucky chapter for Muscular Dystrophy, the March of Dimes, the Long Run 4-H Council, and Pitt Academy. Additionally, he was a member of Saint Albert the Great Catholic Church. Throughout his life, you could also find John building a desk or a bookcase; painting; making jewelry; and, most recently, scrapbooking everything from the smallest moments to the greatest joys of his family and friends.

John was predeceased by his parents; his brother-in-law, David L. Workman, Jr.; and his sister-in-law Elizabeth "Tiny" Garrett.

He is survived by his wife, Diane, whom he always referred to as Luv; his daughters Heather (Troy) Day and Erika Lundbom, who always called him Pops; his grandchildren, Grace Lucille Day and John Wayland Day, who knew him as Papaw; his sister Anna Louise Workman; his brother-in-law Elbert Ray Garrett; his nephew Michael Garrett; his nieces Belinda Garrett, Penny Garrett, and Stephanie Moore; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, November 23rd, with a service at 6:00 pm, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, 235 Juneau Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40243. Burial will be private at a later date at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central, 2501 N Dixie Blvd, Radcliff, KY 40160.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army Louisville Red Kettle Café (salvationarmylouisville.org ).

Our hope for John and for everyone who loved him are the words he used at the end of every conversation: "Have a peaceful day."

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