Gary Dale Gustafson, 61, of Belvidere, IL, died peacefully at home on February 21, 2021 due to complications of ALS. He was born November 3, 1959 to Bernard and Marilyn (Schroeder) Gustafson in Belvidere. He married his love, Sandy Bender on October 11, 1986 in Rockton, IL. Gary attended Belvidere High School. Over the years he was employed at Ipsen, Camcar and for various companies through Laborers' Local 32 as a painter, machinist, demolition, road and bridge work. He also owned and operated Timberwolf Firewood Service and Gustafson's Tree Service. In his spare time, he enjoyed boxing, weightlifting and tinkering in hishome shop on vehicles/snowmobiles and loved his dogs and the outdoors, especially a great bonfire.

Gary was loved and will be dearly missed by his wife, Sandy; mother, Marilyn; children, Randi Witte, Benjamin (Ashley) Gustafson and Joey Gustafson; grandchildren, Krista Gustafson, Bailey Caple and Mason Flores; brothers, Clifford (Renee) Gustafson and Dennis (Julie) Gustafson and several niecesand nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Bernard; son, Andrew Gustafson; brothers, Shane, Timothy and Thomas Gustafson; sister in-law Denise Gustafson and beloved pets, Apache, Bandit and Bear.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated people at Mercyhealth Hospice, with special thanks to Chrissy and his fabulous care by his nurse Deb who always went above and beyond to care for his needs. We would also like to thank Dr. Anthony Molinary for his dedicated care until the end. Memorial donations are always welcome at The ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter.Burial and a Celebration of life will be planned at a later date.Arrangements by Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Avenue, Belvidere, IL. To share a memory, please visitwww.AndersonFCS.com