Thomas N. Gustafson, 82, a longtime resident of Bessemer, passed away peacefully in Wakefield, with his loving family at his side, on Tuesday, May 24, 2011.
He was born on Sept. 9, 1928, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of Carl and Esther (Zachau) Gustafson.
On Nov. 13, 1954, Tom was united in marriage with Patricia A. Newman, at Sharon Lutheran Church in Bessemer, by the late Rev. F.E.W. Kastman.
He proudly served in the U.S. Navy for more than 20 years. His tour of duty included World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Tom was honorably discharged on Aug. 29, 1966.
After his Navy career, he was employed as an electrician at White Pine Copper Company for 10 years.
In earlier years, Tom was an avid fisherman.
He attended Sharon Lutheran Church, and was a Mason for over 50 years. Tom was a member of the Ironwood Masonic Lodge No. 389 F.&A.M., and a lifetime member of the Bessemer Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3673.
He is survived by three children, Gregory, Chesapeake, Va., Sandra, Bessemer, and Eric (Christine), Ironwood; five lovely grandchildren, Patrick (Abby), Becky, Marissa, Jessica and Annaka; a great-granddaughter, Kayla; two brothers, Carl, Albany, N.Y., and Peter (Anita), Stony Brook, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; and his beloved wife, Patricia, on Sept. 26, 2009.
A Masonic memorial service, followed by funeral services and military rites will be held Friday, July 1, at 10 a.m., at Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer. A luncheon will be held in the Kastman Hall at Sharon Lutheran Church in Bessemer following the military honors.
Tom's family would like to thank the staff at Gogebic Medical Care Facility for their loving care and concern.
Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories may be shared at lakesidememorialchapel.com.