Rick Gustafson

Rick Gustafson, 76, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away at his home on October 13, 2024, after a short battle with mesothelioma. He was born July 7, 1948, in Sturgeon Bay to Vernon and Phyllis (Braun) Gustafson. Rick graduated from Southern Door High School in 1966. After high school, he joined the U.S Navy and served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hancock where he completed three tours of duty to Vietnam. On August 22, 1970, he married Lynne Zirbel at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.
Rick worked for Palmer Johnson Yachts for 31 years as a finish carpenter. He always said he got his carpentry skills from working with his father-in-law. Rick enjoyed designing and making beautiful wood products, including furniture, for family and friends.
In 1978, Rick and Lynne bought property in Wausaukee, WI and in 1988, Rick designed and built a cabin in one weekend with help from his friends. He and his wife made many great memories with their kids at the cabin "up north". Rick enjoyed deer hunting and fishing for perch on the boat in summer and on the ice in winter with his buddy Chuck.
Survivors include his wife Lynne, son Brent (Annette) Gustafson, Maple Grove, MN; daughter Brooke Gustafson, De Pere, WI; siblings, Bob Gustafson, Sturgeon Bay, WI; Vicky (Gary) Soukup, Egg Harbor, WI; Char Broekman, Amberg, WI; Brenda Gustafson, Amberg, WI; in-laws, Lois (Jim) Miller, Mishicot, WI; Lloyd (Beatrice) Zirbel, Larsen, WI; Judy Zirbel, Hudson, WI; Leslie (Kathy) Zirbel, Marinette, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Larry Gustafson, sister Rose Gustafson; nephew John Soukup; other in-laws, Ray and Ione Zirbel, Larry Zirbel, and his beloved canine companions, Griffin and Blake.
A visitation will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the Forbes Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. A memorial service with military honors will be conducted at the funeral home at 7:00 pm. The burial will be in Stevenson Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the WI Human Society (WIHumane.org) or Honor Flights (honorflights.org).
Special thanks to Unity Hospice, Kristen our nurse (Katie nurse in training), Laura our social worker, and Chaplain Mark. Also, to Miranda, Theresa, Heather, Angie (the nurses who came when we called for assistance), Wendy the CNA, the triage nurses Lisa and Lynn, and to the receptionist who answered our calls.
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