David Howard "Gus" Gustaveson

1957 - 2024

David "Gus" Howard Gustaveson, 66, of Marion, passed away in his home at 9:17 am on Friday, January 26, 2024. He was born in Elmhurst, Illinois, on February 25, 1957, to Howard and Marion (Hedrick) Gustaveson of Villa Park, Illinois.

On June 11, 1983, David married Juliene Kujat. They transferred to Marion, Indiana, from the Chicagoland area in 1988. He began working at General Motors as a tool and die maker and eventually became a trainer. He retired in 2012 after 33+ years of service.

Dave was a very special person. He was the heart of his family. He was always willing to help others and put family first. Dave was patient, kind, and a wonderful husband and father. He was very active in the community. He had battled kidney cancer for over 16 years, but he didn't let that slow him down. He would always say, "It [the cancer] is just a bump in the road!" Dave loved traveling, camping with friends and family, hiking, canoeing, backpacking, Boy Scouts, woodworking, and the Garden Club of Marion, where he was a member for several years. He was very proud of his home being in the St. Paul Tour of Homes. Dave had made it to all seven continents in January of 2023, all 50 states, and multiple countries around the world.

He was a lifelong member of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA)--57 years. He was known as "Gus" in scouts and was a member of Troop 62 of Villa Park, Illinois, and Troop 433 of Marion, Indiana. He dedicated his life to helping/serving others. Dave was an example of living the Boy Scout Promise and the Eagle Pledge and Charge. He did his duty to God with his participation in the church and the local Easter Pageant, of which he was an active participant for 20+ years, both onstage and behind the scenes. To the best of his abilities, he obeyed the Scout Law by being trustworthy, loyal (married for over 40 years), helpful (to neighbors, friends, and community), kind, and cheerful (He never let on how much physical and mental anguish he was personally dealing with on a day-to-day basis for over 16 years.). Dave kept himself physically fit by actively managing his cancer through diet and exercise, as well as being involved with cancer treatment programs. He was one of Indiana University's longest living patients in their treatment program.

He dedicated himself to using his skill and ability for the common good. He was honest and unselfish, and his reverence to God was always evident every day he lived. No matter what others may have done, he left behind a record of which every other Scout may be justly proud.

Dave was not only an Eagle Scout. He was also recognized with the "Silver Beaver Award". Additional scout awards he received include District Award of Merit for Exceptional Service, National President's Scoutmaster Award of Merit, Wood Badge Beads as an Owl, and several other awards and merit badges.

He helped at least 72 boys reach Eagle Scout. He accompanied scouts on many trips to the National High Adventure Camps (i.e., Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico and Northern Lights Camp in Alaska). He also participated in several Boy Scout National Jamborees.

Dave was Vice President of Sweetser Lions Club for many years. He had enjoyed participating in the Mississinewa 1812 event with his Boy Scout Troop and Lions Club, every year since its inception.

His daughters are eternally grateful to him for teaching them to be self-reliant and strong. "I would put my girls against any boy, any time!"

Preceding him in death were his parents, Howard and Marion (Hedrick) Gustaveson.

He is survived by his wife, Juliene (Kujat) Gustaveson of Marion, IN; daughters, Jenelle Gustaveson of Marion, IN, Jennifer (Stefon, Sr.) Smith of Montgomery, AL, and Jillann (Andy) Billheimer of Mansfield, OH; three grandsons, Stefon, Jr., Dominick, and Malakai; four step-grandchildren; beloved dog, Meeka; sisters, Nancy (Phil) McBride of Mission Viejo, CA, and Linda (Dick) Falat of Carbondale, IL; several nieces and nephews; and many, many lifelong friends.

A memorial mass will begin at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1031 W. Kem Rd., Marion, IN. A Celebration of Life will take place from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm at McCarthy Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family will be making donations to several local charities. You can send your donations to the Gustaveson family at 2707 N. Orchard Rd., Marion, IN 46952. Envelopes will also be available at the memorial service.

Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.

Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.