Kenneth Paul Gustafson

1931 - 2010

Kenneth Paul Gustafson went home to Heaven, at the age of 79 on November 11, 2010, in Lodi, California. Born October 9, 1931 in Southgate, California, Ken was the first son of Herbert and Gloria Gustafson. He spent his early years in Los Angeles, graduating from John Marshall High School in 1948. As a teenager he loved to ride the "Red Cars", L.A.'s once vast network of electric rail trolleys, where he could adventure all day for a quarter. In 1952 he was drafted by the Army and served in the Korean War earning two Bronze Campaign Stars as a combat infantryman. Upon discharge he returned to his job in classified advertising with the L.A. Examiner newspaper. Through his sister Diana, he was introduced to the love of his life, Noreen Lillian Chittenden, a hazel eyed beauty who had two young sons, Skip and Keith. On their first date they saw the movie "White Christmas" with Bing Crosby. Two months later they were married on January 28th, 1955 and soon added another son, Greg in 1956 and a daughter, Suzanne in 1960. He juggled multiple jobs while attending college early in his marriage graduating with a B.S. Degree in Accounting from the University of Southern California in 1957. Ken loved sports and was himself an excellent baseball player and bowler. He was an avid sports fan, never missing his sons' baseball and football games. The family enjoyed USC Football season tickets for many years until 1974 when they moved to Napa, California to pursue career opportunities. He soon realized his dream of owning his own CPA practice, which he ran with great success for nearly 25 years. A hardworking and humble man, his church and his family were his top priorities and his devotion to them was evident throughout his long, wonderful life. He and Noreen moved to Lodi in January of 2010 to be closer to family. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Noreen Gustafson of Lodi California; sister Diana Brenner of Allen, Texas; brother Lee Gustafson of Templeton, California; sons Skip Gustafson of Fairbanks Alaska, Keith Gustafson of Lodi, California, and Greg Gustafson and wife Claudia of Fairbanks, Alaska; daughter Suzanne Schreiner and husband Paul of Lodi California; granddaughter Malloree Gustafson of Napa, California; grandsons Kevin, Logan, and Bryson Schreiner of Lodi California and Trenton, Ross, and Zachariah Gustafson of Fairbanks, Alaska. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Cheyenne Gustafson. Condolences may be sent to Noreen Gustafson, Ashley Place, 1321 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi, CA 95240.