Rafael Södergrann, the oldest living man in Sweden, passed away in Sundsvall, Västernorrland County, on 30 April, at the age of 107 years, 148 days. His passing was confirmed in a public obituary released by Fonus Memorial Pages.
Karl Rafael Södergrann was born in Finland on 3 December 1917. He grew up in the village of Rangsby in Närpes and moved to Sweden with his family in 1950. Rafael was the middle child among five siblings, and the last surviving one.
Trained as a painter, he first applied for a job at a painting company but was met with the remark, “You Finns should work in the forest.” It wasn’t the only time he encountered a superiority complex among the Swedes. Still, the industry needed labor, and that’s where he worked until his retirement. He built his cabin on Alnön by carrying all the heavy tools five kilometers from the bus stop. Some of his hobbies included woodworking and painting. He painted two icons — the Transfiguration of Christ and the Patriarch Jacob — which he generously donated to the Sundsvall parish.
On 1 January 2025, following the passing of 108-year-old Dumitru Curta in Kälarne, he became the nation’s oldest living man.
His successor as Sweden’s oldest living man is believed to be 106-year-old Oskar Ferm, a resident of Halmstad, born on 13 June 1918.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Rafael Södergrann during this difficult time.
