Jimmie W. "Gus" Gustafson

Jimmie W. Gustafson, 82, of Coal Valley, Illinois, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 1, 2017, at UnityPoint Health - Trinity Rock Island, Rock Island, Illinois.

A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church, Coal Valley, with The Rev. Tim Snart officiating. Because Gus never missed a meal, his family invites friends to join them at a funeral dinner at the church at 5 p.m. Sunday prior to the service. Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory under the direction of Trimble Funeral Home, Coal Valley. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church, the American Heart Association, or the Diabetes Foundation.

Jimmie Walfrid Gustafson was born October 10, 1935, in Osco, Illinois, to Eric Walfrid and Esther Catherine Vigor Gustafson. A 12 pound baby, he was born at home on the kitchen table. He married Joan Bernice Painter on October 22, 1960, in Geneseo, Illinois. He was proud to have served in the US Army during the Korean War as a radar operator and paratrooper. He worked for Montgomery Elevator Company for 29 years, retiring as lead wireman in 1983. After his retirement, he was "king of blue collar accomplishments." He built and sold homes for Advance Homes for several years. He co-owned G & L Auto Care in Coal Valley for five years, and owned Gather Inn in Coal Valley for three years, and Miss Moo's Video and Tanning in Coal Valley. He loved people and never met a stranger. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Coal Valley, and Kone Retirees, was an avid golfer, and a semi-pro bowler.

Gus is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joan; three children and their spouses, Glenn and Dana Gustafson of Moline, Monica and Steve Metscaviz of Geneseo, and Lisa and Michael O'Neil of Alpha, Illinois; five grandchildren, Jesse and Sarah Gustafson, Molly and Matthew Metscaviz, and Joshua O'Neil; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Alan Gustafson.

Gus's family expresses thanks to all of the staff at UnityPoint Rock Island for all of the love and kindness they showed. The SICU staff helped make Gus's passing special and beautiful, and his family cannot thank you enough. Friends are invited to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.