Gerald M. Gustafson

Gerald M. Gustafson, age 87 of Carlyle, passed away at Carlyle Healthcare and Senior Living on Saturday, August 26, 2023.

Mr. Gustafson was born on June 16, 1936, in Princeton, IL, a son of Malcolm and Alma (née Magnuson) Gustafson.  He married Sharon Gay Alexander in Tiskilwa, Illinois on September 7, 1954, and she preceded him in death on February 8, 2016. 

Mr. Gustafson is survived by his 3 sons – Gary Gustafson and wife Phyllis of Highland, Illinois, Bob Gustafson and wife Mindy of Carlyle, Illinois, and Tracy Gustafson and wife Lisa of Nashville, Illinois; his grandchildren – Kari Bauer and husband Steve, Chad Gustafson and wife Lisa, Jeff Gustafson and wife Katrina, Jamie Hoffmann, Chris Gustafson and wife Jaclyn, Jody Gustafson and wife Melissa, Kaylee Gustafson, and Kenny Gustafson and wife Marlie; 21 great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law – Betty Gustafson. 

In addition to his parents and his wife, Gerald was preceded in death by his siblings and in-laws – Doris Giltner and husband Wilbur, Darlene Hopkins and husband John, Russ Gustafson and wife JoAnn, Bob Gustafson and wife Alice, and Gene Gustafson.

Mr. Gustafson was an avid sports fan who loved the Chicago Cubs, coaching youth baseball, and playing golf.  He was a member of St. Mary’s Church, the Carlyle High School Booster Club, and was a past member of the Carlyle Rotary Club.  Gerald was also a member of the Carlyle Knights of Columbus, Council 1382.  At the KC Hall, he and his wife worked for many years as the co-managers of the Columbian Club.  Gerald also was the owner and operator of a Pepsi distributorship for several years. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at St. Mary’s Church in Carlyle with Fr. George Mauck, celebrant.  Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.  A visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday morning from 9:00 – 11:00 A.M.  Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Gustafson are suggested to the Carlyle Knights of Columbus Columbian Club and will be received through Zieren Funeral Home.

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