Gale Bruce Gustafson
Obituary

Gale Bruce Gustafson, better known as Gus, passed away on August 22, 2025 at the age of 82, in Mission Hills, CA. He grew up in Rockford, IL and received his BS in Education from Northern Illinois University in 1967 where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity and where he met his beautiful wife. He received his MS in Education from NIU in 1972. 

Early in his career, Gus worked as both a teacher and a principal and later went into real estate, spending the last 25 years of his career working as a project director for timeshares. 

Gus loved traveling, skiing, cycling, fishing, and cheering on his grandkids at their local sporting events. Gus loved keeping up with devoted childhood friends - many of which he had for over 70 years. 

After having a stroke on December 25, 2020, Gus enjoyed taking the bus to the local Senior Center three times a week to play poker and work on puzzles. Most days he could be found taking up to 4-mile walks and enjoyed a mean game of Rummikub. Gus loved soaking in the sun by the pool, watching sports (despite his beloved Bears letting him down year after year) and going to church on Sundays and singing worship songs. Gus loved Jesus and is now in his arms. 

He is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Elsie Gustafson, his brother Chuck Gustafson, his wife of 53 years, Judy Gustafson, and his son Darren Gustafson. 

He is survived by his sister Karen Affrunti, his daughters Amy Culwell and Audra Langston, his grandkids Gavin and Trey Culwell, Emilia and Dylan Gustafson, son-in-laws Jason Culwell and Allan Langston, as well as daughter-in-law Lani Gustafson.

Gus was loved by many and a loyal friend to all. Even the hospital staff said in his last week that he was their favorite patient!  

His ashes will be scattered at sea along with the ashes of his wife Judy and son Darren in a private family service on September 6, 2025.