John Gustafson

John W. Gustafson, 77 CLINTON, Wis. - John W. Gustafson, 77, died Friday Oct. 22, 2010, in his home surrounded by his loving family. John was born June 16, 1933, to the late C. David and Evelyn (Nelson) Gustafson in Beloit. He graduated from Clinton High School, Class of 1951, and completed his education at Blackhawk Tech. John married Gladys Langrehr on Aug. 26, 1951, in Our Saviors Lutheran Church. He was a longtime and active member of Redeemer Evangelical Covenant Church, where he held many offices and leadership roles. John started his career as a charter member of Turtle Fire Department. On June 16, 1962, John joined the Beloit Fire Department, where he retired as assistant fire chief on Dec. 23, 1988. He also taught EMS at Blackhawk Tech and volunteered for the American Heart Association teaching CPR. Family and faith were the cornerstones in John's life anchored by his wife, Gladys. He worked side-by-side with his sons as a firefighter and as a dairy farmer. Turtle 4-H activities were very important to John. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in 4-H activities over the years. John also enjoyed attending his children's and grandchildren's sporting activities. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gladys; children, Kathy (Steven) Nilson, Susan Siler, Steven (Diane) Gustafson, Mark (Christine) Gustafson, Debra McMillan and Jeffrey (Lori) Gustafson; grandchildren, Matthew (Michelle) Nilson, Rebecca (Josh) Hinz, Christina Nilson, Ryan Siler, Brent (Trisha) Siler, Shelby (Mark) Farberg, Timothy (Lindsey) Gustafson, Evie (Brady) Eilers, Nathanael Gustafson, Joel Gustafson, Rachel Gustafson, Angela Splan, Amanda (Angie) Splan, Alicia (Matt) Schroeder, Jeremy McMillan, Jamie McMillan and Jordan Gustafson; six great-grandchildren; brothers, David (Jean) Gustafson and Wallace (Julie) Gustafson; sister, Christine (Robert) Anderson; aunt, Norma Ang; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by parents; and grandchildren, Andrew Nilson and Sarah Gustafson. The family would like to thank Beloit Regional Hospice and the other caregivers that provided care and compassion for John during his long illness. John's service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27, in Redeemer Evangelical Covenant Church, 2500 Prairie Ave., Beloit, with visitation from 10 a.m. to service time. Pastor Chris Carlson will officiate. Visitation also from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, in Brian Mark Funeral Home, 1000 Inman Parkway. Interment in Eastlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in his name.