Gordon Gustafson

Obituary of Gordon August Gustafson Hancock Gordon August Gustafson, 73, a resident of Minnesota St., Hancock, passed away, Monday December 12, 2005, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield, WI, where he had been a patient since November 30, 2005. He was born in Painesdale on August 30, 1932, a son of the late Oscar & Lila (Jarvey) Gustafson. Gordie was a graduate of the Jeffers High School and received his Bachelors Degree from Wayne State University and Masters Degree from the University of Michigan. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. On September 25, 1954, he was united in marriage to the former Leona Pyykkonen, and they have made their home in Hancock for most of their married life, except for a short time early in their marriage, when they lived in the Detroit area. Because of his love of children, Gordon pursued a career in education. In his thirty years of teaching at Doelle and Jeffers schools, he was greatly admired by his colleagues, and the countless students he motivated and counseled over the years. Gordon helped establish special education programs in the Copper Country schools, supported high school athletics, and served on various boards and committees. He had a special way of bringing out the best in everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. Gordon deeply loved his family and friends. He was a member of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock. After his retirement Gordon & his wife Leona enjoyed spending the winters in South Padre Island, Tx and the summers in the Copper Country. Preceding him in death were his parents. Surviving are: his wife, Leona of Hancock 3 Daughters; Katherine (James Scherer) Baillargeon of Milwaukee, WI Mary (Robert) Carlson of Plover, WI Christine (Paul) Bissett of Hartford, WI 5 Grandchildren; Ryan, Kate & Anna Carlson, Benjamin & Elizabeth Bissett 2 Brothers; Victor (Barbara) Tienhaara Jr. of Ripley Jerry Gustafson of Surprise, AZ Numerous nieces, nephews & cousins. Funeral services for Gordie will be held at 11 a.m. Friday December 16, 2005, at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock, with Revs. Susan Odegard & Jimalee Jones to officiate. Spring burial to be in the Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock. Friends may call at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock on Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. and for 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to be made to the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock. To view Gordon's obituary, or send a condolence to the immediate family, please go to www.memorialchapel.net To send flowers to the family of Gordon Gustafson, please visit Tribute Store