I N L O V I N G M E M O R Y O F
JOHN E. GUSTAFSON JR.
O C T O B E R 1 9 , 1 9 4 0 – F E B R U A R Y 9 , 2 0 2 5
John Emil Gustafson Jr., 84, passed away peacefully on February 9th, 2025 in Gilbert, Arizona. He was born October 19, 1940 in Omaha, Nebraska.
He attended Benson High School and graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a degree in civil engineering. He later moved to Kansas City, Missouri where he raised his family, and then retired in Mesa, Arizona after 30+ years in highway construction.
John enjoyed swimming, golfing, fishing, sailing and playing cards. He had a tremendous love for golden retrievers and was also an avid Nebraska Cornhusker and Kansas City Chiefs fan. He was a loving, loyal husband and father.
He was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at age 63. His conversion story touched the lives of an entire community. He served a family history mission and worked at the Bishop’s Storehouse.
He struggled with a variety of medical issues for many years and his family is grateful for his example of strength and endurance to stay with his family for as long as he did.
John is survived by his wife Judy, his children Jennifer Bergeson, Heather Hill (Tim), Julie Gustafson, April Corey, and 9 grandchildren.
A Visitation will be held Friday, February 21st, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 3920 E Brown Road, Mesa, AZ 85205
Flowers can be sent to the care of Bunker’s University Chapel at 3529 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85213 on Thursday 2/20 in the afternoon or Friday 2/21 in the morning.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
I will always love and miss you, Dad. Please stay close.
Your parents and family have always made me feel so welcome and your dad was a big part of that. Thank you for introducing them to me all those years ago. Visiting the “Hotel Huxtable” in Missouri was always memorable and a good time. I’m glad I got to know John and the good man he was and that is how I will remember him. I hope for peace and comfort to come to you and all the Gustafson family while you are parted from him.
We love you J.R. and you will always be an honorary Gustafson!
I remember you John and your bowl of Cheerios on the Thursday mornings when our group of ladies were at your home to work on quilts.
Rest in Peace
John was more than just my father-in-law—he was an example, friend, and in many ways, a second father to me. I’ll always remember him greeting me with a warm, cheerful grin and his calm demeanor. Whether we were discussing technology, engineering, strategies for conquering Halo, or periodic awkward silences, our conversations were always something I looked forward to. I’ll never forget the times we spent at the cabin, riding quads (and him leaving me in the dust), or the many moments when he would reach out with kindness, always ready to help in any way he could…. And always on time! 🙂
John had a way of making people feel welcome and valued. He was patient, thoughtful, and full of quiet wisdom. Even when I fumbled through helping him with technology, he approached everything with humor and gratitude. The love he had for his family was evident in everything he did, and I feel honored to have been a part of his life.
He will be deeply missed, but the memories he left behind—the laughter, the lessons, and the love—will stay with us forever. Rest in peace, John.
Our heart felt condolences to your amazing family. While we didn’t have the honor to meet John in person, through our contact with April we know he was a loving father and outstanding person. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We are grateful to know John is free of his worldly infirmities. Rest in peace brother ❤️