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Abraham Gustafson Obituary
Abraham Michael Gustafson, 38, former resident of Belleville, Ill., left this earth Friday, June 20, 2008, due to a brain aneurysm, at Ukiah Medical Center in Ukiah, Calif.. He lived in Point Arena, California with his wife and sons at the time of his death.
Born April 13, 1970, to Doug and Denise, nee Brower, Gustafson in Park Ridge, Ill., he grew up in Kearney, Neb., and Lake Elsinore, Calif. He graduated from Lake Elsinore Senior High and studied at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Abraham married Rebecca Rhea Willhoit July 5, 2001, in San Rafael, Calif. and to this union two sons were born, Leroy Jozef (6) and Ivan Bruce (3).
Abe was given a gift for expressing himself through his hands, was an artist and master craftsman and earned his living as a carpenter and as a fine furniture and cabinet builder. He loved creating beautiful things and spaces. He lived out the principle of leaving things better than he found them. He appreciated language and poetry and enjoyed reading and writing. He greatly enjoyed music and loved building and playing instruments of all kinds. In his life he traveled to many parts of Europe and Mexico. He was passionately devoted to his family and friends. Skateboard rider, treehouse builder, kite flyer, man with smiling eyes; he taught many the importance and power of having fun. In his last chapter of life he was building dreams with his wife, happily raising his sons, refining his woodworking skills, learning about solar electricity, sustainable agriculture and cooking from his fellow residents at Oz Farm. Abe sought goodness in all creation and loved people so well.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Wesley Gustafson and Harry Brower and his cousin, Isaac Gustafson's son, Sven Gustafson.
Surviving are his wife, Rebecca, and sons, Leroy and Ivan, Point Arena, Calif.; parents, Doug and Denise Gustafson, Holdrege, Neb.; brother, Grant and sister-in-law, Beth Gustafson, nephews, Gray and Jake Gustafson, all of Hendersonville, Tenn.; father- and mother-in-law, Gary and Cindy, Willhoit of Kearney, Neb.; sisters-in-law, Jenny (Luke Canon) Willhoit of Runnemede, N.J.; and Jessy (Jeremiah) Ernisse of Las Vegas, Nev.; grandmothers, Lenore Gustafson and Wini Fuller, both of Holdrege, Neb.; many dear uncles, aunts and cousins and a multitude of wonderful friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to suggest planting a tree in his memory for he loved trees and working with wood.
Funeral: A memorial service officiated by Pastor Neal Brower (his uncle) will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 3, 2008, on the Platte River near Overton, Neb., at the home of Todd and Michele Brown.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Abraham Gustafson
Heidi
October 20, 2008
Rebecca and sons,
My thoughts and prayers will always be with you.
Abe is one of the best and most pure man on the planet. I named my first born after him for the enormous amount of respect I have for him.
He will never be forgotten.
Love Heidi
Michelle Robles
August 24, 2008
Abe Gustafson
Abe was so much fun and always nice us ``Little Kids`` on the block. I remember him teaching my little brothers how to skate board on his ramps that lined the curbs. Some of our best memories have to be Abe`s Adventures in Babysitting, he was the Best Babysitter ever!!! He was so much fun and we always had a great time playing Hide and Seek with Abe, because it wasn`t just regular Hide and Seek it was Hide and Seek EXTREME. I remember our Parents always wondered why there were foot prints on the ceilings and walls????
Edith Robles
August 24, 2008
Abe Gustafson
I thank the Lord for Abe!! He was such a big factor in the lives of my children. Michelle, Jason and Jess. Abe taught my boys and all the kids in the neighborhood to Skate Board and just PLAY. What awesome memories my children have of Abe. All the kids in the neighborhood looked up to Abe and Grant, they were the COOL DUDES. Michelle, Jason and Jess were previliged to have Abe as a Babysitter. Mike and I just recently found out about the footprints on the walls. Our Lord gave Abe the BEST Parents in the World. Parents that allowed Abe to be the Person he was, himself. Abe spent many vacations with us at the Colorado River, Doug and Denise, thank you for allowing Abe to be part of our lives. He was a great water skiir and never got tired. Abe taught Michelle, Jason and Jess to fish and enjoy LIFE. I love you!! Edith
Visiting Holdrege...2003.
Ryan Quincy
August 9, 2008
We love you, Abe.
Matt Park
July 31, 2008
Abe was an amazing man.
I agree strongly with the sentiments of everyone who has posted here. I love Abraham and will miss him dearly.
I enjoyed his love for music, exploration, nature, creatures (dogs), creativity, art and craftsmanship of all kinds, freedom and independence of the heart, mind, body and action, his TENACITY, intuitiveness, and his love for his Rebecca and ALL of his family.
I enjoyed his relationship with his father Doug. I will always cherish the privilege and opportunity to go stay in Holdrege, with Abe and work for Doug & Abe. This was shortly before he left for Czechoslovakia. It was a transformative experience for me. The Czech trip was transformative for him, when he came back in love with Rebecca. I think I could sense the coming transition when I was staying with him, that was just meant to be.
I also had the honor of employing Abe for a couple years. I have great respect for his craftsmanship. Respect for his approach, knowledge, comprehension, proficiency and mastery of woodworking, carpentry and construction methods and generally anything mechanical in nature. Respect for his appreciation of "keeping it simple" and "working smarter not harder". He was skilled and yet still open to absorb new information or methods on the fly, he knew what needed to be done and was prepared to do it, he was dependable and trustworthy. I had hoped to work with him again and morn not having the opportunity.
I heard that he had just been given of a raise and told that "he was the most competent person" his employer has ever worked with. He deserved both & I completely concur with that statement. I ... should have been working for Abe!
For sometime now, a little bit of Abe has gone into all of the projects I've worked on. This is partly because Abe's hands were on them. It is also because, since working with Abe, I think of him very frequently while I'm working and his spirit goes into those works. I think of his attention to detail, and how he would proceed, basically I try to impress him in the back of my mind. This has become even more prevalent, persistent and DELIBERATE immediately upon hearing of his death. I will continue to honor Abe in this way until I get the chance to join him on the other side.
Deliberate Action! We had many ongoing conversations. One in particular, about the importance of Deliberate Thought & Deliberate Action. A long explanation, but suffice it to say, we concluded that deliberate thoughts & actions are a key to success in life. A standard he lived up to as well as anyone could. I stand humble.
He introduced me to (and reenforced) a variety of music, art and attitudes. Specifically he taught me who Antoni Gaudi was, turned me on to Tom Petty (Wildflowers) and he inspired a confidence and independence of thought.
He encouraged me to play the drums even though I was no good and had no rhythm. I'm still not "good" but I have learned some rhythm and truly enjoy it. Abraham allowed me to babysit two of his snare drums while he went to Mexico with Rebecca. That provided me with the tools to get ad hoc instruction from friends in my living room and practice any time I felt the urge. It put drums in my face, it was a challenge and I enjoy the release it brings. As with the carpentry, I have often thought of Abe while I drum and some of his soul goes into those fleeting creations as well. This will also continue and be even more deliberate.
My deepest sympathies to everyone in Abe's family, especially Rebecca, Ivan & Leroy, Doug & Denise, Grant, Lenore, Ben, Issac, Denny, Jenny & Jessie. Know that my thoughts are with you all.
With Love,
Matt Park
Jay Quincy
July 28, 2008
All your troubles and worries would be forgotten when you were with Abe. He was like no other. Abe was so awesome and I miss him so much.
Donna Bauer Thiessen
July 26, 2008
Doug, Denise and extended Gustafson family,
I have just learned about the loss of your beloved Abe. I remember meeting him years ago when he was just a child. By all accounts he grew up to be a wonderful man. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Erin Mosher
July 26, 2008
I worked at Christian Homes in Holdrege, and got really close to Lenore and her daughter Julie. I am so sorry for your family's loss. Although the pain is deep and unbearable at times, know that Abe is in a far better place. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lance & Terrie Locklin
July 24, 2008
Doug, Denise, Rebecca & Grant
Oh how truly sad I am for you all! My heart and love is with you also. Abe was so darling, one time I made you guys tacos and Abe came up to me and chuckled and said they were the best tacos he ever had. He knew how to enjoy life and I bet he's making all of heaven laugh out loud, see you in no time.
Wendy Li
July 19, 2008
Abe and I worked together at Truly Snooty frozen yogurt store when we were in high school.
We shared a lot of laughs and good times together. We shared girl/boy friend troubles, eat lots of frozen yogurt and when we were really bored we would have gummy bear races with the toppings! We lost touch but I am honored to have shared that time with him. I am so sorry for your loss and you are in all of our thoughts and prayers.
Abe at Bowling Ball Beach with his family
July 13, 2008
Jamie Dunn
July 12, 2008
It made me very happy knowing that there was someone like Abe in the world.
Ryan Quincy
July 11, 2008
Abraham the magical man.
One of our favorite pictures of Abe.
Photograph by Timothy Daly.
Sam Morrow
July 10, 2008
Dear Gustafson family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I always looked up to Abe as someone I admired. He made me laugh! He was a fun guy. This hit me hard. I had a brain anyeurism 9 years ago. Hearing about Abe has really made me sad. Doug, Denise, Grant, and the extended family. I really sympathise for you. Abe will be missed. Your family is in my prayers.
God Bless,
Sam Morrow
Kristi (Smith) Hanke
July 9, 2008
Becky and Family:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Robbin (Morrow) Bouslog
July 7, 2008
Dear Gustafson Family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. I have such happy memories of Abe, when he was part of the Lake Elsinore Valley Friends Church youth group. He was a wonderful young man and a true friend to my sons Sam and Israel Morrow. God be with you all during this sad time and know that you will be with Abe for all eternity.
God Bless you, Robbin (Morrow) Bouslog
Brian Burns
July 6, 2008
I just heard the news... I'm so sorry. I haven't seen Abe in years but have thought of him on occassion. He was a good friend in High School. I was hoping to see him at our 20 year reunion next month. The Gustafson family will be in my prayers.
God bless,
Celina Arsenault (Radke)
July 5, 2008
Becky ~ it's been awhile but when I heard the sad news I had to write. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your boys and the entire family. We have some Aspen Tree seeds we will be planting to honor your husband. Love, Celina & Family
Carol Kirby
July 5, 2008
I work at the Belleville Public Library and we all were shocked and saddened to read about Abraham's death. He was a very special man who could light up the room with his smile. He was such a gentle and kind family man. What a loss for the world!
Alissa Tschetter-Siedschlaw
July 4, 2008
To Abe's whole Family, especially Becky- You are all in my thoughts and prayers and I send my love to you all. May you find peace and comfort among your loved ones and know that so many people treasure all of you. With Love, Alissa Tschetter-Siedschlaw
Jenny Willhoit
July 3, 2008
My Friend, Abe -
Your physical presence will be so missed, but the memories will never fade. I will miss you, Brother.
Doug, Denise, Grant and Family-
You are the most genuine and loving family I have met. Your strength and warmth have been incredibly poignant. I'm very sorry to not be with you today but hope to hug you and share wonderful stories of Abe very soon.
Rebecca, Leroy and Ivan -
My heart breaks a million times for this loss. I don't have the right words but promise to be there for you, helping to keep the memory of Abe active and strong. I love you.
Abe was, by far, a man you don't meet everyday.
Alex & Brett Hendrickson
July 3, 2008
Our son, Thomas, went to preschool with Leroy and also played on Leroy's t-ball team last summer. We are very sorry to hear about Abe's death. We are keeping Rebecca, Ivan and Leroy in our prayers during this difficult time.
Denny & Anne Minyard
July 2, 2008
Dearest Gustafson Family,
Some of our happiest memories are of holidays with your family and with Abe, in particular. Our children learned to laugh with young people of all ages, thanks to Abe. He set the standard and everyone was included in the fun, from the youngest to the oldest. He made everyone feel good about themselves. Nobody was ever excluded. Abe's innate kindness has reached out to us over the years. He will be missed beyond what words can ever express.
We wish we could be there, but Kelly and her family will be there to represent all of us.
Our love to you.
Anne and Denny
Shane Rose
July 2, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
ben gustafson
July 2, 2008
Thank you for teaching me to cherish the little boy I used to be, friend.
Thank you for showing me the priceless value of river banks, summer sun, and wind in high places, cousin.
Thank you for enriching my life and that of my wife and children,,,
Rest in peace and save me a seat by whatever flat water you find.
I love you brother,
-ben
Neal Vogt
July 2, 2008
God bless the Gustafson family.
The world just lost a great guy. I would run into him on and off living in Kearney, and Linclon over the years. Abe was the type of guy that would greet you with the same passion if he would see you the next day or five years down the road.He love and cared about each and everyone he knew. God bless you Abraham you have left this world after making it better than when entered into it. This is one soul you have touched.
Jessica ernisse
July 1, 2008
To my loving sister and the wonderful parents of Abe, I loved Abe like a brother. I will cherish all the good years of memories I have of him, he could always make you laugh. He will be truely missed. See you on Thur. sister. I love you very much. Jessy
Nancy Hodges
July 1, 2008
We were so very saddened to hear about Abe...We all remember the wonderful father that he was to Leroy and Ivan. We remember his smile and the warm greetings that he had for the children in our care. Our hearts are heavy today at the Presbyterian Community Preschool in Belleville IL where Leroy and Ivan attended. Please know that you are all in our prayers and in our thoughts in the days ahead. We love you and hold you close in our hearts as you gather for Abe's service on Thursday.
Rebecca we would like to get in touch with you to express our sympathy... God bless you all.
Nancy,Kim,Shelly, Toni and your friends and families from Belleville IL
Erick Amstuz
July 1, 2008
Doug, Denise, Grant and Rebecca
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I will always remeber Abe as someone who was always wonderful to be around, he always seemed to be so positive and upbeat with that smile of his. I will never forget the times that I spent with Abe. Although I will not be able to make it back for the memorial service, you will all be in my prayers.
Isaac Gustafson
July 1, 2008
Abe was always an extra big brother to me. I would give anything to be there, but my deployment to the middle east does not end until August. I will return home the first chance I get and will be there in my heart till then. TSgt Isaac Gustafson
Brent and Diann Upthagrove
July 1, 2008
Doug, Denise, and families,
Our hearts and prayers go out to your families at this very sad time. Abe is in a better place now looking down on everyone, realizing how many lives he touched. Deepest sympathies from all of us - Brent, Diann, McKenzie, Tori, Blake, Kristina, and James
Karen Park
June 30, 2008
I loved his smile, his gusto, and loved watching when he started learning to love Rebecca. And he loved the Bake Shop cheesecake. Rest in peace, good man.
Karen Park
Marcia Alonso
June 30, 2008
I have such fond memories of Abe, having spent time with him and his cousin Ben many a time years ago. He was such a bright light and could make you smile and laugh so easily. Now he's beaming on all of us. Rest in peace, you will be missed.
Tiffany Mohs
June 30, 2008
When I think of Abe, there is one thing that comes to mind. .. "Abe, Abe, the Video Babe." He was the most wonderful, thoughtful, and loving cousin. His smile could brighten the gloomiest of days and his eyes could tell you a story. I miss him so much. A big hug to Rebecca and the boys. I love you all and will see you on Thursday.
Erik Holen
June 30, 2008
I have not spoken to Abe in 20 years, but I have never forgotten his kindness to others, his amazing drawing ability or his great smile. I will not be able to attend his services, but will have a hug for each of you when I see you again.
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