CRAIG A 'GUS' GUSTAFSON, 63 LOVING FATHER, GRANDFATHER AND FRIEND ROCKFORD - Craig A. "Gus" Gustafson, 63, of Rockford passed away at 10:40 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009, in his home, surrounded by his family and friends, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born May 11, 1945, in Rockford, son of Henry and Ida Gustafson. Graduated from Rockford East High School in 1963. Graduated from Southern Illinois University with his bachelor's in marketing. While at Southern, he was a member and officer of the Theta XI Fraternity, where he formed several lifelong relationships. Married Janice M. Nelson of Lombard on June 26, 1971. Army Reserve veteran, serving from 1966 to 1972. Craig began his career in insurance sales and sales management with Aetna Life Insurance and Annuity Co. in 1970, retiring in March of 1994 to start his own insurance agency, Craig and Co. Craig was a past officer and owner of Rockford Molded Products, Inc. with his brothers, Douglas and Gerald. The business was founded by his late father, Henry, in 1942. He was a past officer and chairman of Rosecrance Homes for Children, and was a frequent bell ringer for The Salvation Army at Christmas time. Craig was an active member of the Tebala Shrine Temple, where he served as the president of the Tebala Air Squadron. Also a member of the Pyramid Club of Rockford and the Royal Order of the Jesters, as well as several other social clubs in the Rockford area. He enjoyed golf and skydiving and was an avid Canadian fisherman for many years and part owner of Otter Bay, a fly-in-fishing camp on Lawrence Lake in Ontario. He was a frequent vacationer to the St. Germaine, Wis. area since childhood, having made several close friends in that area. Gus was a huge Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. Survived by former wife, Janice; daughter, Carolyn (Jim) Torres; grandson, Lukas; son, Michael Gustafson; brother, Gerald Gustafson; sister-in-law, Gloria Gustafson; girlfriend, Lindy Haas; and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents; and brother, Douglas. Gus loved life and socializing with his many friends and family. Memorial service at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, in Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Road, with visitation from 9 a.m. to time of service. Chaplain Norm Shirk will officiate. Memorials to The Shriner's Children's Hospital of Chicago. Please leave tributes at mem.com.
Published in Rockford Register Star from February 3 to February 9, 2009
Donald Timmerman
Rockford Register Star Obituary