Eugene O. Gustafson

Eugene O. Gustafson, 95, lifelong Rockford resident, died on Friday, July 7, 2023 in Wesley Willows Health Center. Born September 13, 1927, son of Vernie and Mabel Johnson Gustafson. Graduated from West High School in 1945 and the University of Illinois in 1950. Married Lola Anderson in Rockford on October 21, 1950 and they were married for 72 years prior to her recent death. Veteran of the United States Navy, serving in Adak, Alaska. Member of the Unitarian Universalist Church. Employed for more than 30 years by Cotta Transmissions as their purchasing manager.

Gus was a die-hard, long suffering Cubs fan and loved to play softball, both hard pitch and soft pitch. He was an excellent bowler who bowled well into his 80’s, and he also was an avid golfer who played every chance he got. Gus was part of a group of friends who were together for many years enjoying fishing trips. For many years he had fish tanks of varying sizes with various collections of beautiful fish. He also documented family and life events through his passionate photography and what little spare time he had, stamp collecting was another interest.

Survivors include his daughters, Teri (Mark) Vincent and Tracey (Jack) Armstrong; grandsons, Andrew (Haley) Vincent, Peter (Amy) Vincent, Simon Armstrong, great-grandchildren, Andrew, Ellie, Kevin Jacob “KJ”, Reece, Vedder and Joanna “Jo” and many special friends and neighbors. Predeceased by his parents, wife, Lola on June 10, 2023, daughter, Tana Gustafson and brother, Carl Roger Gustafson.

A memorial service will be held to honor Gus at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2023 in the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4848 Turner Street. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice, 4751 Harrison Ave. Rockford, IL 61108 or the Unitarian Universalist Church. Send condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.