John R. Gustafson

John R. Gustafson, 89, of Cambridge, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at Unity Point- Trinity, Rock Island.  A funeral service celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, December 9th at the Cambridge Lutheran Church.  Rev. Randy Swanson will officiate.  Burial will follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Atkinson, where Military Honors will be accorded by the Don Cherry VFW Post #5083.  A visitation for John will be from 2:00-4:00 pm on Sunday Dec 8th at Vandemore Funeral Homes Ltd, Geneseo.  Memorials may be made to the John R. Gustafson Memorial Fund.

John was born on August 27, 1924 in Osco, IL, the son of Pontus and Ella (Julien) Gustafson.  He graduated from Orion High School.  He married Dolores Smith and later separated.  He was then united in marriage to Catherine F. Cauwels on January 8, 1971 in Rock Island.  Catherine preceded him in death January 1, 2013.  John proudly served in the US Army during WWII.  He was employed by International Harvester Works for 36 years as an inspector, retiring in 1981.

John was a member of the Cambridge Lutheran Church.  He was also a member of the Vikings Club in Moline, American Legion, and a charter member of Valley View Country Club in Cambridge.  He loved fishing in Bagley, WI and spending the winters in Texas.  He also enjoyed 10 pin bowling, golfing and his breakfast and coffee groups.

He is survived by his daughter Penny (Michael) Hayes, Erie, IL; his sons: Kevin (Kristi) Gustafson, Moline, IL, Lonnie Gustafson, Austin, TX, Marty (Lucia) Gustafson, Sterling, IL; 10 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Catherine; and brother, Mahlon Gustafson.

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