John Raymond Gustafson, 85, a lifelong Belvidere, IL resident passed away peacefully in his home on Monday morning Oct 15, 2012. He was born on October 29, 1926, the youngest child of Arvid and Nancy (Klingstedt) Gustafson. He graduated from Belvidere High School in 1944, served in the Army-Air Force and was stationed in Naples, Italy, and then returned to Belvidere to continue his long employment at Dean Foods. He married Lois Mardis in 1951 and they enjoyed traveling to visit grandchildren and spending time up at the lake until her death in 1998.John continued to stay active and enjoyed traveling, singing, doing crosswords, gardening, fishing, golf, and dining out with friends. He is survived by daughter, Paula (Andrew) Wallendal of Mauston, WI and son, Gary (Meg) Gustafson of Jacksonville, OR; grandchildren: Emily (Harri) Larinen of Tuusula, Finland, Laura Wallendal of Boston, MA, Garrett, Benjamin, and Catherine Gustafson of Jacksonville, OR, and special friend, Vie Pettepiece.Predeceased by his parents; wife, Lois; sister, Evelyn Gustafson; brothers, Wesley (Connie) Gustafson and Leonard (Luella) Gustafson; and granddaughter, Teresa Wallendal.Special thanks to everyone at Northern Illinois Hospice, Ogi, and Vie and her family for their help and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center, 4215 Newburg Rd., Rockford, IL 61108 or American Cancer Society (designate Patient Services), 4312 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61108.