Worcester—William J. “Gus” Gustafson, 59, died at home after a long illness. He leaves two daughters, Elizabeth A. Leszczynski and her husband, Gregory, of Grafton and Kristen L. Gustafson of Worcester; a son, Chad P. Gustafson and his wife, Christine, of Worcester. He also leaves a sister, Carol Peura of Princeton, two brothers, Ronald Gustafson of Marshfield, VT and Paul Gustafson of Shrewsbury; as well as several nephews and nieces.
He was born in Worcester, son of Ernest L. and Olive E. (Werme) Gustafson. He graduated from North High School, received his Associate’s Degree from The Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts, and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science from Oklahoma State University. He worked at Tuckerhoe Farm in Rhode Island and held management and sales positions at S.N. Ziff Paper Co. for many years. He enjoyed spending time on Cape Cod, skiing, gardening, and woodworking.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 8, 2004, in the Nave of Trinity Lutheran Church, 73 Lancaster St. Burial will be in All Faiths Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, April 7, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at NORDGREN MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 300 Lincoln St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 73 Lancaster St. Worcester, MA 01609.