Dean A. Gustafson

Dean was born March 6, 1946, in Escanaba, son of the late Alger and Vernell (Margison) Gustafson. He graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1965 and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corp.

Dean volunteered to serve two tours (1966 and 1967) with the First Marine Division during the Vietnam War, earning three battle stars. He was honorably discharged after four years and later joined the Michigan Army National Guard,107th Combat Engineers. There he earned his commission as an officer, where he was recognized as Michigan’s Junior Officer of the Year. He was honorably discharged after serving 15 years in several commands.

Dean worked as a self-employed carpenter for many years and he and his father owned and operated Inger Teco in Norway. Dean married Judith Shwatal on April 22, 1990, in Iron Mountain. He was a member of the Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50, The VFW Post 3674 and the Sons of the American Legion. Dean was a member of the Kiwanis Ski Club, on the U.S. Ski Jumping Team, having won in Ishpeming, and enjoyed competing across the Midwest, Lake Placid and West.

He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing, especially in Republic, at Shady Rest (the family camp located on the Michigamme River). He also loved sports, especially his Green Bay Packers. And he particularly enjoyed watching his grandsons compete in sports.

Dean is survived by his wife, Judith; children, Todd (Paige) Gustafson, Jason (Angela) Gustafson, Robert Doty and Dawn (Scott) Farragh; grandchildren, Will and Luke Gustafson, Devin, Kolton, Bradon and Mackenzie Farragh, Quinton Doty, Payton Thompson and Mallory Maracini; a great-grandchild, Adalynn Farragh; and his best friend, Glen Olsen.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Maegan Doty.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Dec. 23, at Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. The Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post50 will conduct military honors.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Dean Gustafson online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.