Rolf Gunnar Almgren

Rolf Gunnar Almgren passed peacefully, May 14, 2025 following a brief illness. Rolf was born February 27, 1932 and was a lifelong resident of Ridgefield, CT. His parents emigrated from Sweden through Ellis Island and operated a nursery on their property on Ramapoo Road. He attended Ridgefield High School where he played multiple sports and performed on stage. He also made the Connecticut All State Orchestra as violinist twice.  

After graduating in 1949, he attended the University of Connecticut and obtained a degree in Agriculture, as he always loved growing and taking care of plants. He became a professional landscaper, creating and tending many of the public and private gardens throughout the Ridgefield area. Rolf delivered oil to Ridgefield residents through many winters and got to personally know many members of the community.  

His love of the town and the people of Ridgefield led him to volunteering his time maintaining the Little League ballfields. For over 20 years, they were the best kept ballfields in Fairfield County and he received outstanding achievement awards for his work. He was a well-known and beloved member of the community and will be missed.

He married the love of his life, Pauline Guertin, in 1955 and they raised five children together across the street from where he grew up. He taught them his love of music, and they inherited his sharp wit and sense of humor. His hearty laugh and love of life touched all that knew him, and he led by example. He was always able to find the light through any trial or tribulation and inspire hope in whatever the outcome might be.   

Rolf and Pauline loved bluegrass music and traveled extensively to attend their favorite music festivals. As an accomplished violinist, he often joined the musicians in informal jam sessions late into the night. He was known for his positive outlook and friendly smile and was always happy to lend a hand to anyone that needed it.

He adored spending time with his twelve grandchildren, following their accomplishments with pride and joy. He attended their sporting events, graduations, weddings and recently welcomed his fourth great-grandchild.  

He is survived by his five children, Daniel (Paula) of Lenox, MA, Kenneth (Robin) of Tyringham, MA, Ronald (Chardee) of New York, NY, Dorene DeCecco (Dave) of Mechanicsburg, PA and Victor (Sherri) of Bettendorf, IA.  Rolf was predeceased by his wife, Pauline, and his sister Birgit Lindeberg.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A prayer service will be offered on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 11:30 AM at Kane Funeral Home; family and friends may gather at the funeral home on Thursday morning beginning at 11:00 AM. Following the prayer service, interment will take place in Fairlawn Cemetery, Ridgefield. 

Contributions in Rolf Almgren's memory may be made to Meals-on-Wheels; 25 Gilbert Street-#1, Ridgefield, CT 06877; http://www.mealsonwwheelsofridgefield.org or Concert Happenings in Ridgefield’s Parks – CHIRP; Friends of Ridgefield Community Programs, Inc., Town Hall, 400 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877; https://chirpct.org/

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