Robert L. Gustafson

Robert L. Gustafson, 83, of Danville, passed away at his home on Shake Rag Road on April 17, 2017. He was born in Danville May 26, 1933 to Archie and Ruby Florence (Drolinger) Gustafson. On February 7, 1960, he married the love of his life, Shirley Ilene Cunningham. On their first date, Bob asked her out for coffee and she said "Sure!" (He found out later that she didn't like coffee! - but she did like him!) They were married at Farmer's Chapel Church on February 7, 1960 where he continued to serve the rest of his life. Bob and Shirley lived all their married life in a red brick house on the corner of Shake Rag Road and Spud Ave. They raised their children Vicki and Doug there and had many wonderful memories. He was known as the "Mayor of Shake Rag Road" because he had lived there 57 years. Bob graduated from Bismarck High School in 1952 and served in the US Army. He worked at Berry's Seed Store, then Interstate Printing for 28 years until his retirement in 1987. He loved gardening. He had 100 tomato plants and he would always give the produce to his family, friends and neighbors. Bob loved walking to the river and hunting for mushrooms in the spring. When Shirley was diagnosed with MS in 1973, Bob became her care giver. Bob enjoyed taking her to church every Sunday, family gatherings, ball games, going to the Landing at Kickapoo, Turkey Run St. Park, and Gospel sings. His favorite vacations involved Houseboating with extended family. He also loved to camp and one of his special memories was a three week California trip to see his sister Bonnie. Dad enjoyed waltzing Shirley around in her wheelchair when she could no longer dance on her own. Shirley passed away one day after their 48th wedding anniversary on February 7, 2008. Shirley was known for the smile on her face; Bob was known for his positive attitude. He always saw the good in everything and everybody. He loved people and was happiest when he was serving others. The last three months of his life were difficult, but his only comment was, "I'm counting my blessings!" Bob lived his faith in action. Bob's devotion to family was evident by the amount of time he spent with them. He is survived by his children, Vicki (Clay) Hacker of Eminence, IN; and Doug Gustafson of Georgetown, IL; two brothers: Archie (Katie) Gustafson, Jr. of Georgetown, IL, and Alvin (Jean) Gustafson of Monticello, IL: two sisters - Betty Slayton of Danville, IL, and Bonnie (Jim Knight) Ohlrich of Danville, IL; two sisters-in-law, Catherine Johnson of Danville, and Beverly (Jim) Zorns of Danville, IL. He was pre-deceased by brothers-in-law, Ted Slayton and Bill Johnson. Bob treasured his four grandchildren. He never missed sending them a card on holidays. Kyle Hacker of Chicago, IL, Jared Hacker of Indianapolis, IN, Wade Hacker of St. Joseph, MI, and Grace Gustafson of Georgetown, IL all deeply loved their grandpa so much. He had several cherished nieces and nephews as well. A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 10:30 AM at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville. Visitation will be from 1-8 PM on Friday, April 21, 2017 at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Danville National Cemetery on Monday, April 24, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Memorials can be made in his name to the Women's Missionary Fund at Farmer's Chapel United Methodist Church. Please join Bob's family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!!!!

Visitation Apr 21, 2017 Friday, 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834 Service Apr 22, 2017 Saturday, 10:30 AM Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834 Final Resting Place Danville National Cemetery 1900 E. Main Street Danville, Illinois 61832