Carl A. "Cully" Gustafson

Carl A. "Cully" Gustafson, 90, World War II Veteran of Belvidere, IL died July 17, 2014 at his home surrounded by family. Carl was born February 22, 1924 in Rockford, IL. Son of John and Freida (Swenson) Gustafson. He married Edna Brudnowski on October 15, 1954 almost celebrating 60 years together. He attended Rockford Schools. Then served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1943 to 1946. On the USS ATR-36, Carl's ship spent 11 weeks at Pearl Harbor and recovered hundreds of torpedoes, accomplishing almost every task which she was built for. Carl also assisted in the Okinawa Invasion group in the Philippine Islands, going day and night pulling ships clear of beaches and pulling wreckage from the shores. The ship was set to sail for Korea but encountered a violent typhoon, that lasted 29 hours. The ship survived the typhoon and made it back to Subic bay despite the wreckage. Carl received the American Area Campaign Medal, Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal and Philippine Liberation Ribbon.
Employed by Greenlee Company, Sjostrom and Sons and Scandroli Construction. Later formed his own company C.A. Gustafson and Sons, where he laid brick and stone. A member of Bricklayers Union 32. Carl's specialty was brick laying homes and beautiful fire places. He enjoyed fishing, wood-working, chewing Copenhagen snuff, and forever loved his dogs. Carl also liked telling stories from the past and spending time with his family. He never forgot where he came from, talking Swedish and enjoying his favorite Swedish foods.
Survived by wife Edna, sons Brad and (Leeann) Gustafson of Caledonia, John (Karrie) Gustafson of Belvidere, daughter Denise (Fred) Hebeler of Loves Park, grandchildren Hannah and Alec Gustafson, Corbin and Chloe Gustafson, and Brittany and Blake Hebeler, and his beloved dog Dixie, brother Robert Gustafson of Rockford and sister Gertrude (Lee) Erickson of Rockford and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents and brother John Edward Gustafson. Special Thank you to Dr. Dale Gray and Emily, Dr. Dana Hawkinson, Dr. Pak and staff at RMH and the wonderful staff at VNA Hospice for the outstanding care of Carl through the years.
Visitation from 9 to 10 am Monday, July 21, 2014 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory (Mulford Chapel) 1860 S. Mulford Road. Private burial at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family.