Edward Clarence "Grandpa" Gustafson

Edward Clarence "Grandpa" Gustafson, 79, Sheldon, Mo., passed away Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, at his residence, following an illness of several months. He was born Feb. 12, 1932, in South Chicago Heights, Ill., to Edward Walter Gustafson and Grace Mary Brown Gustafson. He was married Nov. 10, 1956, in Harvey, Ill., to Lela Mae Smith, and she preceded him in death Jan. 5, 2003.

Mr. Gustafson was born and raised and spent the majority of his life in Illinois. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He made his living as a bus operator in the public transportation sector in South Chicago. He spent the past 13 years in Sheldon, Mo., working for the town of Sheldon. He attended the First Baptist Church in Sheldon.

Survivors include one son, Paul Gustafson, Steger, Ill.; one daughter, Diana Marie Brzuchowski, Crete, Ill.; seven grandchildren, Donald Edward Gustafson, Susan Lynn Johnson, Patti Rae Harper, Emily Christine Gustafson, Joseph Edward Brzuchowski, Jonathon Robert Brzuchowski and Kevin Jeffery Brzuchowski; 15 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Frank Walter Gustafson, Steger, Ill.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Sept. 16, 2011, at the First Baptist Church in Sheldon, with the Rev. Jerod Lamb officiating. Interment will follow at Sheldon Cemetery.

Friends may call now and until 7 p.m. on Thursday at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday between 6 and 7 p.m.

Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in care of Ferry Funeral Home, 301 S. Washington, Nevada.

View obituary and send condolences on line at www.ferryfuneralhome.com