Ronald "Buck" Gene Gustafson

Ronald Gene Gustafson Obituary

Ronald “Buck” Gustafson was born on February 27, 1931, in Porter, Indiana to Edgar L. Gustafson and Helen T. (Hjelm) Gustafson Janowski.   His journey to Heaven began with his peaceful passing on April 28, 2025, with loved ones at his side.  He was 94 years old.  He was a loving husband, father, and “Gumpy” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Buck attended grade school in Porter Indiana through the sixth grade and completed middle school and high school at Chesterton graduating in 1949.  He played basketball in high school and college while obtaining a Civil Engineering degree at Valparaiso University graduating in 1955.  He enlisted in the Navy in 1951 spending 4 years in the reserves while attending college.  He was called to active duty in 1955 serving 2 years applying his Civil Engineering skills on a base in Iwakuni, Japan.  He completed the remainder of his service in the United States at a Naval base in Peru, Indiana and was honorably discharged in 1958.  After completing his military service, he joined United States Steel as a supervisor in the Gary Works Blast Furnace Division retiring in 1986.  He shared a good retirement with his wife as a “snowbird” for 26 years in the Phoenix, Arizona area, making many lifelong friends and sharing special moments with family.  Buck enjoyed fishing with family during the summer and fall in Webster, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan where he maintained a summer place.  He was a member of Calumet Masonic Lodge 379, the Scottish Rite, and was a TKE fraternity member while in college.  He was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears, Cubs, and Purdue Boilermakers.   Buck was a devout Christian and handyman helping many with his woodworking and Engineering skills.  He designed and built a barn with his stepfather while residing on East Oak Hill Road where his family was raised.  Perhaps his largest accomplishment was at Bethlehem Lutheran Church where he designed, rigged, and executed the removal of the original steeple church bell from the old to the new church.  He spent many days working and supporting the builders of the new church and took pride in placing the cornerstone.  His hobbies also included playing bridge, gardening, restoring cars, and caring for and helping others.  He was a hardworking, kind, and considerate man of many talents who was always willing to share those skills.  When travel became difficult, he enjoyed the remainder of his life enjoying his roots in Chesterton, Indiana. 

He is survived by his high school prom date, sweetheart, love of his life, and wife of 69 years, Belle; a son Tim Gustafson (Debbie) and daughter Cynthia Johnson (Bernard “BJ”), three granddaughters Chelsea (Joe Bodkin) Gustafson, Elise Gustafson, and Rachel Johnson, three greatgrandchildren Brecken and Brighton Gustafson and Arlo Gustafson-Winquist, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Carrol Gustafson and sister Velma Machin.    

Funeral Services will be held Friday, May 2, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at White-Love Funeral Home with cremation to follow.  Visitation will be held from 2:30-3:30 for family with open visitation from 3:30-5:30 p.m.  Memorials or remembrances in his name can be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Chesterton, Indiana.   

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