Elden "Gus" Gustafson

Elden “Gus” Gustafson, age 85, passed away on November 25, 2022. Born in Ludington Michigan to Howard and Ruth (Seymour) Gustafson, Gus is survived by his wife Jolene, sons Anders (Terri), Leif (Deanna), Brandon (Jill) Blain, Shaun Blain, and honorary son Mike DeSilva. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Marta (Mark) Bush, and his sister Charlotte (Anath) Bhaskaran. He leaves behind 13 grandchildren.

Raised on a farm near Hopkins Lake in Ludington, Gus spent his boyhood farming, fishing, and hunting. A lifelong entrepreneur, Gus purchased his first boat at age 15 and got his start selling fish to local establishments and neighbors.

The 1960s through the 1980s were busy times for Gus. Along with partners, he established and built several successful automotive manufacturing businesses in Lansing including Uptilt, Atmosphere Annealing, and Diversified Finishes.

After retiring from the manufacturing industry, Gus and Jolene went on to open Cobbler’s Bench Shoe Store in the Frandor Shopping Center. At the same time, they established Gustafson Farms, which continues today as the family’s farm.

In 1993 they opened D&G Equipment, which grew to eight John Deere dealerships … one of the largest in Michigan. Within a few short years, D&G was the top-selling John Deere lawn and garden dealer in the North America. Additionally, Gus helped start the All-Color Antique Tractor Club in 1995, insisting that all brands of tractors were included. D&G Equipment was the original home for club meetings.

In 2007, Gus was honored with both the Lansing Area Retail and the Master Entrepreneurial Awards for his business achievements. Coming from a family of modest means, Gus was particularly proud that his businesses fed the families of thousands of employees over the years.

Most of all, Gus leaves behind many beautiful memories with his family. For many years, his children and grandkids spent summers camping, swimming, fishing, toasting marshmallows, and picking blueberries in Ludington. He loved telling stories about his experiences growing up on Lake Michigan. His laughter and twinkling eyes when telling a funny story will never be forgotten. Whether you called him Gus, Tractor Grandpa, or simply “friend”, his work ethic, honesty, perseverance, grit, warmth, humility, and kindness leaves a proud legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of Lansing (3186 Pine Tree Road, Lansing, MI 48911), the Williamston Area Senior Center (201 School St., Williamston, MI 48895), your local food bank or the Alzheimer’s Association. (https://www.alz.org/).

Visitation is on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 from 1 pm – 5 pm at Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Home, in Williamston, Michigan.