George E. Gustafson

George E. Gustafson January 21, 1922 - March 19, 2009 George E. Gustafson of Grand Junction, CO, peacefully passed away at Mesa Manor on Thursday, March 19, 2009. He was 87 years old. George was born in Erie, CO on January 21, 1922 to Ernest and Ella Gustafson, as one of seven children. He met Betty Mossey, "his doll" and the love of his life, while living in Denver. He and Betty had their first date on July 4, 1941. They went on many dates dancing at the Trocodero Ballroom at Elitch Gardens. They were married on May 30, 1942. George and Betty spent much of their life in Lakewood, CO before moving to Grand Junction in 1990. George served his country in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He participated in battles and campaigns in New Guinea, the Southern Philippines, and Luzon. He returned to Denver after his honorable discharge. George's favorite pastime throughout his life was fishing for trout on many of the rivers of Colorado. The fishing skills he learned from his dad as a young boy, he lovingly passed on to his son, Quinn, and his grandchildren. His grandson, Kellen, remembers the joy of great fishing trips, when three generations of men would grow together; fish or no fish! He also found much pleasure in searching for stone artifacts in Glendo, WY with his wife, Betty. George was a very kind, compassionate and caring man, possessing vast integrity and an inner strength beyond measure. He will be remembered by his loved ones as a "Silent Warrior". George and Betty were blessed with 65 years of marriage. To this union were born a daughter, Georgeana Gustafson Klopman; a son, Quinn Gustafson, and a daughter, Lee Gustafson Duncan. He also has four grandchildren. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Quinn and Judy Gustafson of Grand Junction; daughter and son-in-law, Lee and Benny Duncan of Dallas, TX; four grandchildren, Kellen and Kelsey Gustafson of Grand Junction; and Quinn and Keye Duncan of Dallas, TX. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Betty, on April 5, 2008. A service will be held at the Veteran's Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado on Monday, March 23, at 10:00 a.m. The family would like to offer special thanks to Hospice and Palliative Care of Grand Junction, for all of their support and compassion. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado, PO Box 60307, Grand Junction, CO 81506. In addition, they wish to express their sincere appreciation to the lovely staff of Mesa Manor for the constant support, care and love they showed to George. You will truly be missed Dad. You will forever be "OUR HERO"!