Carl Rudolph Gustafson, 89, longtime Parkland, Wisconsin, resident, died Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, at Aspen Health and Rehab in South Range, Wisconsin.
Carl was born in Bone Lake, Wisconsin, on Feb. 3, 1934, the son of Rudolph and Vivian Gustafson, and spent his childhood on the family farm near Frederic, Wisconsin. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Bone Lake.
Carl graduated from Frederic High School in 1953. After that he served in the U.S. Army and then became a meat cutter for many years until his retirement. Over the years he made friends with many of his customers in Superior, Wisconsin, and Duluth, Minnesota. He also owned and operated a farm for several years during the 1960s and 1970s in Maple, Wisconsin.
On Aug. 26, 1977, he married Joyce Gerzic and they celebrated 41 years together before Joyce’s passing in 2019. Carl and Joyce spent their married life in the close-knit community of Parkland.
Carl loved reminiscing about his growing-up years in Frederic and told wonderful stories that included tales of his siblings, cousins and friends. His Swedish heritage was a source of pride and a prominent influence in his life. Carl took pleasure in living a simple life and had many happy childhood memories of his family and his younger years on the farm.
As he grew older Carl enjoyed operating his shortwave radio, riding his John Deere tractor and caring for his cat, Josie. He always loved visiting friends and neighbors.
Carl is survived by his children, Cherrie Moore of Superior, Donovan (Terri) Gustafson of South Range and Jarl (Kathleen) Gustafson of Homer, Alaska; grandchildren, Justin, Jenna, Alex, Mikhael, Kayde, Donovan, Casey, Andy, Michelle, Tony, Rudy, Ellen, Jamie, Katelyn and Julie; several great-grandchildren; his brother, John (Jan) Gustafson of Frederic; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and family friends, Marsha Chaffey and Doren McArthur.
Carl was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; parents; infant brother, David; sister, Ann; granddaughter, Anneka Moore; and grandson, Webb Gustafson.
Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 8, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 11416 E. 1st St. N., in Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin, and will continue until the 10 a.m. memorial service with Pastor Katie Wagner officiating.
There will be a private burial service.
The Cremation Society of Minnesota-Duluth is assisting the family with arrangements.
The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the wonderful Parkland friends and neighbors who helped Carl and Joyce in their later years and to the staff at Aspen Health and Rehab who cared for Carl with love and compassion during the last three years of his life.
