Gerald W. Gustafson

IRONWOOD, Mich. — Gerald W. Gustafson, 85, of Ironwood, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, July 19, 2017, after a brief illness.

Gerry was born on Sept. 27, 1931, in Davis Location, Bessemer Township, a son of John P. and Mildred (Crowley) Gustafson. He attended Puritan School in Bessemer Township, Roosevelt School in Ironwood Township and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood in 1949.

Gerry proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for two years, assigned to the 176th Missile Battalion as a specialist 2nd class at Paoli, Pa.

He worked on Great Lakes ore carriers for 32 years as chief steward and guest steward, where he met the love of his life, Annie.

On April 1, 1982, Gerry was united in marriage to Annie M. Elder Sivrais of Mackinaw City, in Hurley, Wis.

He was an active member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood. Gerry had the privilege of serving as Eucharistic minister to homebound and hospital bound parishioners for several years. He was a devoted member of several church choirs.

Gerry is survived by two nephews, Curtis (Linda) Gustafson, Hurley, and Alan Gustafson, Ramsay; his sister-in-law, Eileen Gustafson, Ramsay; a great-niece, Toni (Paul Mason) Gustafson, Racine, Wis .; a great-nephew, Clinton “Bucky” (Amanda) Gustafson, Ramsay; two stepsons; four stepdaughters; 14 stepgrandchildren; and a stepgreat-grandchild.

He was predeceased by his parents; his beloved wife, Annie, on July 14, 1993; and two brothers, John C. and Phillip B.

Cremation will take place, and there will be no funeral service.

The family wishes to thank Aspirus Ironwood Hospital, Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Gogebic Medical Care Facility and Regional Hospice Services for the excellent and compassionate care given to Gerry during his final months.

Condolences may be mailed to the Family of Gerald Gustafson, P.O. Box 197, Ramsay, MI 49959.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield.