H. John Gustafson, age 78, of 705 North Bluff Drive, passed away Tuesday morning April 7, 2009 at home. 

John was born March 26, 1931 in Escanaba the son of John and Lillian (Wickman) Gustafson.  He was raised in Escanaba where he graduated in 1949 from Escanaba High School.  John was a member of the Escanaba National Honor’s Society.

Following graduation, John worked at the Delta Hardware Store in Escanaba prior to enrolling at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.  John received his B.A. in Art Education in 1958. 

John’s teaching career began in Crystal Lake, IL where he taught one year before returning to Escanaba when he was hired by the Escanaba School District to work in the Fine Arts Department.  His teaching career spanned 36 years, ending with his retirement following the 1995 school year.  John also taught art at the Bay De Noc Community College.

John was a member of First Lutheran Church in Gladstone, Bay Arts Association, M.E.A. and the N.E.A.  He also served for many years on the Gladstone Planning Commission.

John loved the outdoors and nature.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, canoeing, skiing, kayaking and photography.  In later years his camera replaced his hunting gun on hunting expeditions.

Survivors include his wife, the former Janet Markham whom he was united in marriage to on October 11, 1958 in Escanaba.  This past year they celebrated 50 years of marriage.

Son: Erik Gustafson of Hastings, MI

Daughter: Britt Gustafson of Kalamazoo, MI

Sister: Naomi Davis of Gladstone

Grandchldren: Dominic and John Gustafson of Hastings

Numerous nieces and nephews

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Reynolds.

John’s family will receive friends on Saturday April 11, 2009 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone.  Funeral services celebrating the life of H. John Gustafson will follow at 3:00 PM at the First Lutheran Church with Rev. Jonathan Schmidt officiating.  A light luncheon will follow funeral services in the First Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall.  Memorial contributions in memory of John may be directed to the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center or to the Bay De Noc Community College Scholarship Fund, envelopes will be available at the Skradski Funeral Home or at First Lutheran Church.