ARNOLD ERIC "POPPA" GUSTAFSON

GUSTAFSON, ARNOLD ERIC "POPPA" 75 - of Ocean City, was taken home peacefully to be with the Lord on Sunday March 6, 2011 after a courageous attempt to conquer cancer. Son of Martin Lookhe and Margaret Gustafson, Eric was born in Moline, Illinois on July 23rd, 1935. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him, especially his step daughter Dee Williams Allen, her husband Tracy Allen, Erics' grandson Richard Caracci, and close friends Margie and Edward Balotsky. Preceding him in passing was a sister Donna Lookhe Cousins. Surviving are his brother Ron Pearson of Joliett, Ill. and a niece Karen Petersen of DeWitt, Iowa. Eric's parents immigrated to America from Sweden in 1920 and 1924. When Eric was born, his mother became very ill. The very day she was scheduled to come home to be with Eric and the family, she passed away! At her funeral, Eric's father left the area and was never seen again! Eric's Aunt Sigurd and Uncle Eric Gustafson took him in, raising him, adopting him and changing his last name to his mothers maiden name Gustafson. Eric was raised during the Great Depression, living a life full of hardships. He very proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Japan and Korea during the Korean War. He then worked on oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. He worked for Dee's grandfather running movie theaters. He worked at Gucci's store on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Florida. Heartfelt thanks and appreciation go out to the Homecare Specialists caregivers that took care of Eric. A casual memorial service to celebrate his very interesting life will be held on April3rd, 2011 at the Abundant Life Assembly of God at #44, Rt. 50 in Seaville, NJ at 3p.m. For those who wish, may make a memorial contribution to the BRENDAN BOREK HIGH TIDES MEMORIAL FUND, (a local cancer fund) P.O. Box 41, Avalon, NJ, 08202. To email condolences, visit www.godfreyfuneralhome.com.