Dickie ""Gus"" Gustafson's Obituary
Dickie ""Gus"" Gustafson age 69 of Tracy, Iowa, formerly of Centerville, passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2013.
Gus was born July 24, 1944 in Clinton, Iowa, the son of Rinehart and Bernice (Thomsen) Gustafson.
Gus was a journeyman ironworker with Local 111 in Rock Island, ILL in his younger years. He then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic graduating with his Doctor of Chiropractic degree. In his most recent years he worked construction and also as a welder.
Gus was a man of many talents. As well as a wealth of knowledge. Gus was a great craftsman, building many woodworking projects for members of his family for many years. His work had to be done to perfection. , ""All it has to be is perfect"" he always said. Gus had a love for horses even in his younger years showing horses in his local county fairs, winning championship medals in many. The love for horses continued when his children rode, and showed them as well. Painting was yet another hobby, as well as a natural talent for him. His paintings were remarkable and he often gave them to his family as gifts that they have hung in their homes. Gus also self-taught himself how to play the guitar and fiddle.
There was no stranger to Gus. He always said, ""A stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet."" He befriended everyone. There was never a dull moment in a conversation with him. He was full of humor and never left without a joke or making people feel comfortable with laughter.
Gus was good at designing and building just about anything. He would never have hired anything done. ""Why do that when we can figure out how to do it ourselves?"" His most recent, most proud, project was his 1923 T Bucket roadster he started from scratch. He'd built one many years ago and had to sell it. He said he'd be sure to do one again one day and was just on the painting process this summer. This was Gus' most prized possession.
Gus was very involved in 4H in his younger years. He helped in establishing an AA group in Dewitt, Iowa in the 1970's that is still going today. Most recently, Gus volunteered for Helping Hands food pantry in Knoxville, IA, was a member of the Knoxville, IA Draggins Car Club, and was a member of the Oddfellows Lodge #90 in Knoxville, IA with his many friends he'd made while living in Tracy. Gus was a lover of his family and a lifelong friend to many.
Gus is survived by his four children, Leasa Larson of Des Moines, Iowa, Kirk Gustafson of Des Moines, Iowa, Cassandra (Josh) Mason of Barnes City, Iowa, and Jessica (Tim) Kauzlarich of Tracy, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Omelia Terronez, Elijah Gustafson, Gabriel Lee Kauzlarich, Josie Kauzlarich, Elizabeth Mason, Sophie Kauzlarich, and Oliver Lee Mason; and a brother, Bill Gustafson of Wheatland, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rinehart and Bernice Gustafson.
Memorial services will be held 11 AM Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at Lange Funeral Home and Crematory in Centerville with Pastor Kevin Glesener officiating. A visitation will be held on Wednesday at Lange Funeral Home from 9-11 AM. Inurnment will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Livonia, Missouri. A memorial has been established to the family and may be given to Lange Funeral Home and Crematory, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.
Visitation
September 18, 2013 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Lange Funeral Home 1900 S. 18th St. Centerville, IA (641) 856-2000
Memorial Service
September 18, 2013 11:00 AM
Lange Funeral Home 1900 S. 18th St. Centerville, IA (641) 856-2000
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