Jack A. Gustafson

KIMBALL, Wis. - Jack A. Gustafson, age 74, of Kimball, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, at his home, surrounded by his loving wife and two sons.

He was born Sept. 20, 1940, in Ironwood, Mich., son of the late Everett and Catherine (Siedleski) Gustafson.

Jack was a butcher by trade, working in Nebraska as a young man, Kenosha Beef and also Morrells of Minneapolis. In the 1970s, he came back to his Kimball farm to help his father with harness race horses, and resided there ever since.

He was a livestock dealer, trucker and cattle rancher.

He served many years on the Gogebic County 4-H board, hauling all the 4-H fair animals to market. He enjoyed watching harness horse racing, and his most loved race horse was Mandi Forbes. He especially enjoyed driving his Polaris Ranger all around his farmland.

In 1980, he was united in marriage with Rochelle (Shelley) Vittone. They had 34 years together. She survives.

He is also survived by two sons, Nicholas (Halli), of Roseau, Minn., and Grant (Lauren Manchester), of Saxon, Wis .; two brothers, Michael (Kathy) Gustafson, of Mundelein, Ill., and David (Mary Anne) Gustafson, of Flagler Beach, Fla .; his mother- and father-in-law, Richard and Arlene Vittone, of Bessemer, Mich .; two sisters-in-law, Peri and Melanie; and one brother-in-law, Griff; and several special nieces and nephews he shared river camping stories with.

He was very deeply loved by his wife and sons, and he will be forever missed.

"Until we meet again my Valentine."

Cremation has taken place at the Range Crematory in Hurley. A memorial service will be held on Valentine's Day, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015, at 11 a.m. at the Ketola-Burla Funeral Home in Ironwood. 

Father Michael Hayden will officiate.  The family will receive relatives and friends from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Arrangements are by Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Ironwood. 

Private online condolences can be sent in care of [email protected].