Russell Gustafson

Moline, Illinois Russell A. "Swede" Gustafson, went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 22, 2003, one day after his 91st birthday. He died at Trinity Medical Center, Rock Island, surrounded by his loving family. Friends are invited to join the family in celebrating his life at his funeral at Bethel Wesley United Methodist Church, Moline, at 11 a.m. Tuesday. The Reverend George Loveland will officiate. Burial is in Moline Memorial Park. Visitation is 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Trimble Funeral Home, Moline, where Moline Lodge #1014, AF & AM, will conduct Masonic funeral services at 6 p.m. Monday. Memorials may be made to the church or a favorite charity. Russell Arthur Gustafson was born August 21, 1912, in Boone, Iowa, the son of Arthur Gustafson and Ethel Berggren. He graduated from high school in Woodhull, Illinois, in 1931. He married Elaine Fay in 1935 in Galesburg, Illinois. He married Nellie Pearson on November 29, 1947, in Moline. He worked for Illinois Farm Bureau and Shell Oil Company, and retired from American Air Filter in 1975. He was a member of Bethel Wesley United Methodist Church, Moline; Moline Lodge #1014, AF & AM; Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Moline; and Moline Viking Lodge. He was a Boy Scout leader in the 1930's. He liked to travel, fish, work crossword puzzles, and be with his family. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, had many friends, and liked everyone he met. Swede is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nellie; four daughters, Diane Lovell and Judy Gustafson of Moline; Janice Nelson and husband Butch and Tammy Delles and fiancé Dave Loranger of Silvis; ten grandchildren, Lori Johnson, Dean Lovell and wife Jody, Todd Gustafson, Cindy Temple, Kim Sands and husband Brad Sands, Kris Baltes and husband Mike, and Carolanne, Leigh, Aaron and Jordan Delles; eight great-grandchildren, Jacob DeClerck, H. R. and Heather Johnson, Brad Lovell, Justin Gustafson, Tracey and Keith Sands, and Sarah Baltes; a great-great-granddaughter, Annalissa DeClerck; and a sister, Mae Gross of Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Richard "Dick" Gustafson, a son-in-law, Russell Lovell, and a sister. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com. END OF OBITUARY