Nels Ronald Gustafson

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing on March 26 of our beloved Nels Ronald Gustafson. He was born to Vivian (Lenell) and Alfonse Gustafson in Chicago on December 4, 1935. He proudly served four years active duty and four years reserve in the US Navy. He was a fire control technician aboard USS New Jersey (firing the big guns) and served on the ice breaker USS Edisto. He was a University of Illinois educated electrical engineer spending most of his career working for some of Chicago’s major architectural/engineering firms. In 1969 he moved to Springfield, Illinois where he became Associate Electrical Engineer at Ralph Hahn & Associates. This is where he met his wife Karin. They moved to Florida in 1984 and until his retirement he owned Ener-Dyne, an energy management firm.

In addition to his wife of 53 years, he is survived by children: Ron; Randy; and Karla Gustafson and sister Thyra (Toni) Weston-Paulson. He is also survived by grandchildren: Sydney Siok (Evan); and Kyle and Nathan Gustafson; and nephews Guy Power; Jeff Bailey and nieces Janet Power; and Jennifer (Rick) Desart as well as his “brother in spirit” Frank Kyger and Roy Hocking.

Nels will be best remembered for his cheerful and upbeat attitude in the face of multiple medical issues including heart transplant in 1998. He was just two days shy of observing his 27th anniversary. We are grateful to the amazing Tampa General Transplant Team, Dr. Rinde-Hoffman and coordinators Mary and Lenka. He was a passionate sportsman who in his youth loved bow hunting; competitive archery; mountain climbing; bass and deep-sea fishing; and in later years golf. He was a devoted husband to Karin supporting her in her role as a local non-profit leader for almost thirty years. He often joked he wore out two tuxedos. A special thanks to his care givers: Vicki Steward and Sue Sheridan. And of course, we are eternally grateful for his precious gift of a heart.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 31, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, Sarasota, FL. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 10:30 AM at the funeral home with burial to follow in Sarasota National Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tidewell Hospice Foundation.

Arrangements by Robert Toale & Sons at Palms Memorial Park in Sarasota.