Obituary
David Joseph Gustafson
…and “So it goes.” – Kurt Vonnegut
David Joseph Gustafson was born at home in 1941, two weeks before Pearl Harbor to Everett & Catherine (Siedlecki) Gustafson in Ironwood, MI. He died at home on July 21, 2023. David was the youngest of 3 boys and grew up a Yooper in a world of snow, livestock & harness racing.
At 15, he fell in love with Mary Anne and married her at age 23 in L’Anse, MI. They had 3 daughters, Davina-marie, Katrina Jane & Amanda Anne.
David earned his BA from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI; MS from Wisconsin State University-Oshkosh and PhD from UW-Madison.
As Professor Emeritus at UW-La Crosse, “Dr. G” was Director of the Reading Center. He taught Reading Education in Morris Hall for 25 years and chaired the Master of Education Professional Development (MEPD) Program. He served as President of Wisconsin State Reading Association (WSRA) for many years. One highlight of his career was the opportunity to live & teach as a visiting professor at Nanning Teacher’s College, Guangxi, China.
In retirement, he lived in both La Crosse, WI & Flagler Beach, FL. He loved to travel the world. His Scamp was frequently sighted roaming the country. Especially cherished were the gatherings with his brothers by the Montreal River.
David was known for his raspberry patch and gifts of homemade jam and Struan bread. He was an avid reader, a voracious writer and a supporter of live music. He was team manager & a Flagler County Senior Softball league player for 20 years in Florida.
He consistently volunteered during his life:
4-H, Foster Care, Meals on Wheels, Daytona 500, AARP senior tax preparation, race support for multiple marathon events, Aliki Condo Board Member, Sons of Norway, and 19 years with the Marineland Northern Right Whale Survey Project.
David is survived by the love of his life of 58 1/2 years, Mary Anne; 3 daughters and their husbands; 8 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and an aunt, cousins, sisters-in-law & brothers-in-law. “Uncle Gus” is survived by many nephews & nieces. He leaves behind a myriad of close friends including his professional mentor & lifelong friend, Joan Ross.
He belonged to Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Parish, Flagler Beach, FL and Blessed Sacrament Parish, La Crosse, WI.
In recent weeks, four generations traveled from several states and countries to be with him. At his request, there will be no other formal service.
He followed the Golden Rule his entire life. In lieu of memorials, honor him by serving those who may benefit from your unanticipated kind words, money or time as he did.
Heed his words of advice: Seize the day, live below your means, save for early retirement…and always return the jam jar!
Remembering a brother-in-law who was larger than life! So many memories will be shared with family. Lots of love and laughter! You will be missed! Rest in peace.
Thank you Dr. Gustafson for being you and giving me my dear friend, Amanda.
“Always return the jam jar…” love it! That will stick with me!
What a joy to have met your Dad, Davi. His love for each of you was so obvious and beautiful to have watched!
We loved your parents visits to the neighborhood and plugging in their Scamp!
Sending so much love, McD’s ❤️
I didn’t get to see Cousin David
as an adult. We were kids the last time I saw him. But, we
emailed often over the years
and I got to know his heart and great humor. I always felt connected to him. He has a remarkable family of women I hope to meet some day. We had similar angst about religion. I love his last words to me: “I pray. And I walk comfortably with the Lord”.
What a legacy! Love you my dear cousin.
Anna
David loved Mary Anne with his whole heart! He loved to visit with his cousins and went out of his way to visit us! He was such a great comfort to me when my husband Jim died! I grieve this loss but not without hope of seeing him again in heaven! Absent from the body present with the Lord! Praying for the family! Joy Lucht??❤️❤️
It is with great sadness we say good by to a much loved cousin! Also as the daughter of his surviving Aunt Lorraine, we are going to miss everything about David that made him so special! Mom always looked forward to that Scamp visit that brought the Jam and bread, but most of all the visits and all the joy that came from them! So many memories that go way back to childhood, all of them good!
We promise to return the jam jars! Love and prayers to the whole family! Cousin Colleen and Dwight Chappell, and Lorraine Booth
Thank you for the many jars of jam and for cheering on the Magee’s at the harness races! Mr. Gustafson, you were a wonderful soul who has left an incredible legacy.
Rest in peace Mr. Gustafson. I will definitely heed your words of advice. Love and prayers to Mrs Gustafson and family. ❤️
Davi, I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad. Your in my thoughts & prayers.
Rest in peace Dave. You were one of a kind (just like your delicious raspberry jam). You always kept us laughing when I was visiting my Dad in Flagler. Now you are both on the Right Whale watch from heaven!
I will always remember Maryann’s and your kindness to my Dad letting him stay in your condo after Hurricane Irma burnt his house to the ground. He was so grateful as was I when you both took the pressure off him during that first week of chaos. He was so much calmer when I got there and met him at your condo.
He always spoke highly of both of you and so do I. I will miss seeing you in Flagler and enjoying your humor.
God speed Dave!
“Maryann2” Aubry Puchlopek
Maryann- my deepest sympathies for your loss. I will really miss hanging out with both of you. Maybe we can chat on Facebook sometime?
So sorry to hear of Dave”s passing. Was a wonderful neighbor we had. Prayers to all of his family.
The Nolop’s
And Moore families
What a life he lived. And what good advise he has given us to make the most of all the days we have. My deepest sympathy and condolences as well as prayers that the memories he left will leave you feeling his spirit-filled presence. I have no doubt that he has met his maker and had a good conversation with God about lots of things in life. May he know eternal peace and joy in having lived a long, good life. I will miss him and hope you will let me know Mary Anne if there is anything I can do for you. My love to you all. S. Lucy