(Rock Island Argus  July 15, 2015)

Richard Gustafson

Richard A. "Rick" Gustafson, 66, of Rock Island, died on Thursday, July 9, 2015, at his home.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 20, at First Lutheran Church, Rock Island.  Visitation will be an hour before service at the church.  Inurnment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Rock Island.  Memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

Rick was born on Aug. 7, 1948, in Moline, a son of Richard C. and Kathryn V. Gardner Gustafson.  He married Michelle McKenzie in 1975, in Rock Island.

He graduated from Rock Island High School in 1966, where he was a member of the band and track team.  Rick joined the U.S. Navy Reserves in 1966 and attended Black Hawk College.  He had worked at former Internal Harvester Corp., Farmall Works, Rock Island, and later was a custodian at the Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, Milan.

Rick was a life-long member of First Lutheran Church, Rock Island.  He had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed motorcycles, fishing and watching television.

Survivors include his brothers and sisters, Don Gustafson, Rock Island, Carol (Dr. Kirk) Witherspoon, Moline, Sue (Dan) Rogers, Terra Haute, Ind., Jon Gustafson (Rita Oetkin-Gustafson), Rock Island, and Bill (Rachel) Gustafson, Rock Island; nephews and nieces, Thomas Gustafson, Erika Svenningsen, Alexis Gustafson, Stuart Witherspoon, Gwen Witherspoon, Dawn Sheddan, Stephanie Lee, Asta Gustafson, Nate Gustafson, Parry Gustafson, Grace Gustafson, Luke Gustafson and Claire Gustafson; and six great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Online condolences may be left at wheelanpressly.com.

(© 2015 Quad Cities Online)