Robert O. Gustafson

robert gustafson

Robert O. Gustafson, 88, of the Illinois Veteran's Home in LaSalle died October 23, 2020 at the VA Home.

Bob, also known as Gus, was born Feb. 10, 1932, in Princeton, Illinois to Malcolm and Alma (Magnuson) Gustafson of Tiskilwa, Illinois. He married Alice E. Vail on May 15, 1954, in Princeton. She passed on Aug. 18, 1993. He married Barbara McKenzie in Princeton on March 20, 2004. She passed on Nov. 3, 2019.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Princeton. He attended Lewistown and Tiskilwa schools graduating in 1950 from Tiskilwa High School. He then served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was employed at Browning Ford in Princeton for 35 years. He volunteered as a Scoutmaster of the Boy Scout troop in Malden and served on the Malden High School Board. He enjoyed horse-back riding and completed the 100-mile trail ride several years. Bob also was a member of the Kiwanis Club in Princeton and a Gold Coat at Perry Memorial Hospital in his retirement years.  

Survivors include one daughter, Ann (Roger) Elmore of Fayetteville, Arkansas; one son, David (Sharon) Gustafson of Mundelein, Illinois; seven grandchildren: Megan (Michael) Brown, David (Jessica) Elmore, Peter (Tiffany) Elmore all of Fayetteville, Laura (Marty) Combs of Boulder, Colorado, Mark Gustafson of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Paul (Jessica) Gustafson of Asheville, North Carolina, and Hannah Gustafson of Boulder; ten great-grandchildren:Titus, Elliott, Ezra, and Alice Brown, Elizabeth and Nathan Elmore, Ingrid, Elsie, Annika, and Kirsten Combs, one brother Gerald of Carlyle, IL, one sister-in-law, Betty Gustafson, nieces, and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wives, Alice and Barbara, two sisters, Darlene and Doris, and two brothers, Russ and Gene. 

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 26, 2020 at the First United Methodist Church of Princeton, with Rev. Ryan Sutton officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Princeton with Military Rites conducted by the Princeton Veteran's Group. Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, October 25, 2020 at the First United Methodist Church, Princeton. Memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church in Princeton. Online condolences may be sent to www.grant-johnsonfh.com.

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  1. So very sorry Ann and David for your loss. My prayers are with you and your families. Bob was a very special person!

  2. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Bob and the other great people at Browning Ford. Bob was always a gentleman and a good person all around. My condolences to his family. Thank you for your service and Rest In Peace.

  3. Bob was a first class all the way !
    I recall him from decades ago when we both were in the GOLDEN K Club
    A gentleman, always had a smile and just all around GOOD EGG !

  4. My prayers and deepest sympathies go to the entire family. Though I didn’t know Bob personally, I knew his daughter, Ann, when she lived in Malden before she was married.

    May you all find extra comfort from the Lord as you go through this difficult time. Most sincerely, Ann (Sale) Bradley

  5. So sorry to hear about the loss of Bob. I knew him from living in the huge town of Malden! What a great addition to heaven he will be. And for him to be reunited with Alice. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!


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