Dr. David Paul Gustafson, Sr. passed away at 83 years old on Monday, October 9, 2023, at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital in Wisconsin, surrounded by his family. He was a 25-year resident of Lake Bluff, Illinois, and subsequently, a 24-year resident of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois.
David was born on October 18, 1939, in Franklin Mine, outside of Hancock, Michigan, located in the state's Upper Peninsula. He was the son of the late William and Vieno (Maki) Gustafson (later Stalo).
David attended the public schools of Hancock and graduated from Hancock High School in 1957. He graduated from Michigan Technological University in 1961, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. In 1967 he received his Ph.D. from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. David was a licensed Structural Engineer in Illinois, and a licensed Professional Engineer in Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
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David's employers included Chrysler Corporation in New Orleans and Michigan Tech's Department of Civil Engineering. In 1974 he joined the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI), located in Chicago and later in Schaumburg, Illinois. He reached the position of Vice President of Engineering before retiring in 2007. For many years in post-retirement, he enjoyed teaching continuing education courses in engineering at the University of Illinois Chicago; he taught his last class in Spring 2023.
David was an avid life-long fan of the Green Bay Packers and was a Packers season ticket holder for years. He also greatly cherished his Finnish, Swedish, and Michigan heritage.
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David is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary (Ojanen) Gustafson of Winthrop Harbor, IL; five children: Jane (James) Kluchka of Iron River, MI; David P. Gustafson, Jr. of Arlington, VA; Jennifer (Charles Ignarski) Gustafson of Lake Bluff, IL; Paul Gustafson of Angleton, TX; and Sara (Toshi Sanchez) Gustafson of Santa Fe, NM; and sister Donna Flaherty of St. Clair Shores, MI. He also leaves behind six grandchildren: Grace and Olivia Kluchka, Aaliyah and Brett Gustafson, and twins Elijah and Tyshawn Sanchez; and nephews William, Kevin, and Patrick Flaherty.
This obituary was provided by the Gustafson family. The views expressed here are the author's own.
