Stephen Gustafson

Steve passed away at his home in Lake Elmo, Minnesota with his longtime companion/friend JoAnne Lawonn at his side on June 29, 2020. Steve was born on January 31, 1943 in St. Paul to Reuben and Ardis Gustafson.    He graduated from North St. Paul High School in 1961.   In high school, Steve played football, baseball and hockey.  During his senior year, he was a co-captain of the hockey team which went to the state tournament, and was named to the All Suburban Team and the WCCO All State Team. In hockey, he was a 4-letter winner.  Steve received his bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State University.  Steve worked for the State of Minnesota for 37 years and retired from the Department of Administration as a Planning Director in 2010. Also during this time, he was active in youth hockey and was an official with the District Two Hockey Officials Association.

During retirement, Steve  continued to work on his beautiful gardens and his golf game.  His dog Molly was his constant companion and always close by.  She knew all was well when “Master Steve” was close by.  As they both aged and became less active, she was content sitting by him and watching the flowers grow or the critters running through her yard or laying on the carpet in the house while he watched one of his favorite TV shows and read the newspapers.  Life was good for the best of buds.

In addition to JoAnne, Steve is survived by his dog Molly, his son Andy, grandchildren Katlyn and Ethan and two nieces Britta Peterson and Maja Larson.  He was preceded in death by his parents Rueben and Ardis Gustafson, his brother Tom Gustafson and his sister Kathryn Swanson.

Steve, also known as “Gus” by many who knew him, was a compassionate man, fair-minded, one always exhibiting integrity.  He was a loyal friend to many, mentoring to help them advance professionally and grow personally.  Gus was a person who really enjoyed seeing good people get ahead.  He could always be counted on – whether to talk through an issue and provide guidance without expectation, and with a twist of humor or to help you with a task.  Gus was admired for his straight-talk, calm demeanor, objectivity and quick-wit. His friendship and presence will be greatly missed.

Steve’s Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday August 2, 2020 at Bradshaw Funeral Home, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd, Stillwater, MN at 2 pm.  Interment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Kathryn Gustafson Swanson Scholarship – Gustavus Adolphus College (Checks can be made out to Gustavus Adolphus College – in the memo line – either put “Kathryn Gustafson Swanson Scholarship” or “In honor of Steve Gustafson”.  Checks may be mailed directly to Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 W College Avenue, St. Peter, MN 56082 – Attn:  Tricia Bergeson.