Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Martin Gustafson Obituary
Dr. Martin O. Gustafson, 67, of St. Charles, IL, died unexpectedly Aug. 31, 2007 at Delnor Community Hospital, Geneva, IL. Born in Chicago and raised in Sycamore, IL, Dr. Gustafson graduated from Sycamore High School. He received his Bachelors' Degree from Augustana College, Rock Island, IL and his Doctorate of Dental Science from Northwestern University. He completed his residency training at the University of Illinois. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon who practiced in Geneva for 34 years until his retirement in 2006, Dr. Gustafson was on the staff of Delnor Community Hospital and Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He developed the dentistry department at Community Hospital, which subsequently became Delnor Hospital. In addition to his practice in the suburbs, Dr. Gustafson was a clinical assistant professor at Northwestern University Medical School/Feinberg School of Medicine. His hospital appointments included attending staff member at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Lakeside V.A. Hospital in Chicago. Dr. Gustafson belonged to several professional organizations-the Chicago Dental Society, American Dental Society, Chicago Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Illinois Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. A caring and well-known practitioner, Dr. Gustafson was often described as an ethical professional with remarkable surgical capabilities. He appeared on national television as an expert on temporomandibular joint syndrome and was a consultant to the Lincoln Park Zoo. His hobbies included hunting, sailing and fishing. An avid hunter, he was a member of the McCullom Lake Hunt Club of Hebron, IL and the National Wild Turkey Federation. He was also a member of the Corinthian Yacht Club, Montrose Harbor, Chicago and participated in sailing races on Lake Michigan. A master angler, he caught many trophy fish in Canada. As committed as Dr. Gustafson was to his career and hobbies, he was also devoted to his family and many friends. Dr. Gustafson is survived by his siblings, Sandra (Richard) Hill of Glen Ellyn, IL, Jack (Jan) Gustafson of Sycamore, IL, Jill (Barry) Dahlgren of Milwaukee, WI and Vivian (Norman) Lee of Castle Rock, CO; his close friend, Margaret; 12 nieces and nephews; and 12 great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Orville and Vivian Gustafson, longtime residents of Sycamore. Visitation will be held at Yurs Funeral Home, 405 East Main Street, St. Charles, on Friday, Sept. 7 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Memorial Services will be held at Salem Lutheran Church, 1145 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore on Saturday, Sept. 8 at 11 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Delnor Healthcare Foundation to support the Cardiology Operative Program at Delnor Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Martin Gustafson
Mary Ann Lupa
September 14, 2007
Please accept my sincere condolences. I worked with Dr. at Delnor Hospital and always enjoyed him.
Sincerely,
Dale Nimrod
September 10, 2007
Dear Sandy and extended family of Marty,
Fresh off the farm in the fall of 1958, on campus at Augustana two weeks before classes, I met Marty for football practice. He seemed so sure of himself--I seemed so green. College at Augie was a tremendously liberating and exciting adventure. I am glad to have shared it with Marty. It was moving to read of his accomplishments in his obituary. My thoughts and prayers are with you. My wife, Sunny, joins me in sending her sympathy.
Nancy Spoor
September 10, 2007
I was saddened to hear of Marty's death. Our families had many happy times together. Remember the good times as you celebrate his life. My prayers are with you.
Joe Peplow
September 9, 2007
While I haven't seen Marty since high school, reading his friends and colleagues entries in this guest book paint a picture of the very special person he became in adulthood. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in celebrating in life.
Joe Peplow
Terry Harrelson
September 8, 2007
I am sorry to hear about Marty, he was smart and funny and also I think of him as a good friend. I've known him sinnce I was just a very young boy at the time and Marty and his brother Jack had nick named me 'Little Rat'. I'll always remember Marty as the funny life guard at the pool in Sycamore, Il. Thanks Marty
Dr. Mullick
September 8, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Dana Bell
September 8, 2007
I was one of many of Dr. Gustafson's Patients. I walked in to his office and was immeditity put at ease by his friendly personality. I cried when I was told of His passing. He will be missed by me..Thanks Doc for everything..
Larry Tucker
September 8, 2007
I'm deeply saddened by the news of Marty. Had the good fortune of growing up in his neighborhood and getting lifts to school from him. He was very kind, and one I knew you could trust. In later years a Dr. was lining me up with a surgeon unless that is, if I knew one. My reply was I sure do, and gave Marty a call. There certainly was no thoughts of am I in good hands. I also had the fortune of being his fathers patient, receiving what I consider rare hard to find quality work. Marty I'm sure carried this same character to a new level. Though I havent seen him in years and if I had; Marty would be the same great character of many years ago that I'm still proud of. My condolences to all his family and friends.
Scott Erickson
September 7, 2007
A hearty soul, a magnanimous heart, a generous portion of mirth, a reminder to relish the day. Your passing is irreplaceable but your legacy is profound. Thanks, Marty, for a life well lived. You filled the room, creating stories that change lives. Thanks for the privilege of having been kin.
Diane/Jerry Hill
September 7, 2007
Our deepest sympathies at the untimely loss of a wonderful person, your brother and our friend, Marty. He was a fond member of the Class of '58 and will be greatly missed but ever in our hearts and great memories. May knowing that he is smiling with the angels comfort you at this difficult time.
Paula Stach
September 7, 2007
Marty was a long-time best friend of my brother, Dr. Charles Schoenfeld. Through "Charlie" our whole family got to know and love Marty mostly for his generosity and wit. He will be sorely missed by us all, but expecially by my brother.
Susan Erickson Carr
September 7, 2007
Sandy & Richard, Jack & Jan, Jill & Barry, Vivi & Norm, and Marg,
Cousin Marty - such a big laugh, such a big heart, such big hands (yep, he took out my wisdom teeth)! It's no surprise we'll miss Marty in a big way. My condolences to all of you.
Kim Fellows
September 7, 2007
In 1973, after completing 1 year of college, I dropped out. My mother dangled in front of me a classified ad clipped from the Chronicle. "You might like this," she offered. M. O. Gustafson was looking for help: "no experience necessary; will train". And so, at age 19, and without any clear course in mind for my future, I put my foot on the first stepping stone toward careers in both surgical technology and nursing by working with Dr. Gustafson. I credit my mother, Gloria K. Fellows, and Dr. Gustafson for recognizing my worth and sensing my abilities at a time when I, quite frankly, was rather lost in the shuffle. I burst into tears when my mother shared the news of his passing. With gratitude, fond memories, (and some really funny ones, too!), -Kim Fellows
Carl & Gloria Klimek
September 6, 2007
We have enjoyed Marty as a wonderful next door neighbor and friend for 22 years and are so very sorry to lose him. Our sincere sympathy to his family and dear friend Margaret.
Brian Stark
September 6, 2007
What a great guy Marty was in high school when I knew him. I'm sorry to not have known him in more recent years but glad to read so many fond remembrances of a good man.
Brian Stark
Class of 58, Sycamore High School
Denise Soto
September 6, 2007
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. I worked for him for several years. He removed my wisdom teeth. He was an outstanding, caring doctor and person. I will miss his laugh, and all the good times, Diane and I had working there. We even made it through the fire in the building. I wish peace for you all. He will be missed.
Dr. Ellena Kontos Vranas, D.D.S.
September 6, 2007
Dear family and friends of Marty,
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was always there for me, either to take an emergency or regularly scheduled patient from our office, or to give me some friendly professional advice. He never made my questions seem ridiculous or mundane. I learned several important clinical things from him. Our patients always remarked about his fun sense of humor. May his memory be ever eternal.~~
Phyllis Gibson
September 6, 2007
Dear Sandy & entire Gusfafson family - Marty contributed so many pleasant (& humorous) memories to his classmates from elementary through high school in Sycamore. No doubt he leaves many more and even better ones to his family. Hope they help sustain your sudden loss. Phyllis Bagwill Gibson
nadine valent
September 6, 2007
Dear Jack, Jan and the rest of the family,we are sorry to hear of your brother's passing. Although we did not know him ,we know he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Nadine Valent and Bruce Rakosnik
Karen DUFFEY
September 5, 2007
Dear Sandy & family, I was so sorry to hear of Marty's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Karen Hilstrom Duffey
Jane Albrecht
September 5, 2007
Marty's family - I was shocked to hear of Marty's sudden passing. I remember him from high school days and remember that he had a good laugh. I saw him several years ago and wasn't quite sure if it was him but when I heard him laugh I knew. Our class will be holding our 49th mini-reunion September 10 and I am sure Marty will be remembered with fond memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jane Kuntz Albrecht
Smiley and Twid
September 5, 2007
Dear Gussie "kids" so many memories are going through my head
at this time. Most of them silly
and include Marty and his hearty
infections laugh. I can still see
Marty & Bernie hanging on the barn
door laughing at "Peeper" chasing
either Jill or Beeb. My thoughts
are with all of the Gustafson's
and families. Twid
Karen; Harold Hardy
September 5, 2007
To the entire Gustafson family and Margie ( I knew you all from Jack and Jan's famous parties and Vivi from the pool): This has been a tragic loss and shock to all who knew him, and I am so very sorry. I remember all the children at the parties (including our daughter) could hardly wait to hear the words, " Uncle Marty is here!!!" and run racing down the driveway to meet him. He would swoop one or two into his arms and tease them as they all ran back to patio...everyone knew that the real life of the party had arrived right along with his big old stogie cigars, and Margie would bring up the rear.
Our youngest daugter had the misfortune of having super long roots on her baby teeth and would have to go to "Uncle Marty" to have them removed to make room for the new. He would get her all set up in the chair and then tell me to "get that tire iron over there in the corner so I could knock her out and save you some money." Then he would hold his thumb and forefinger like a gun and tell her he was using his 'magic finger' so she wouldn't feel anything. I believe she was around 13 or 14 years old when she brought up "Uncle Marty's Magic Finger" and pushing hard on her gums had never hurt. She refused to believe me that behind his "Magic Finger" and the hard pushing had been a syringe filled with novacaine. Just one of the many wonderful stories about this great man.
God Bless you all.
Love:
Harold and Karen Hardy; Jack and and Jan's 'Southern Exposure"
Mark Johnston
September 5, 2007
Sandy and Family - Sorry for your loss. My memories are from the early Sycamore years and they are all good. I imagine Marty as a fine and decent gentleman all these years. Peace to you and yours.
Jack Lindstrom
September 5, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Steve Delanty
September 5, 2007
Marty was a great friend. Excellent surgeon. Compassionate. Caring. Great sense of humor. Exemplary character. We will miss his laughter. Steve Delanty and Tony Lamberis.
Priscilla Becker
September 5, 2007
I had the honor of working for Dr. Gustafson right out of St. Charles High School for four years starting in 1973. He taught me a great deal not just about oral surgery but about life. I am sorry to hear about his passing. He deserved a long retirement. I am sorry I won't be able to attend any services. I currently live in Tennessee. He is in my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
Make a Donation
in Martin Gustafson's name
Memorial Events
for Martin Gustafson
How to support Martin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Martin Gustafson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
