Lawrence E. Gustafson

Lawrence E. Gustafson, age 86, of Batavia, IA, passed away at home Saturday evening, October 4, 2008.

Visitation with the family present will be held 6:30 - 8:00 PM, Tuesday, October 7, 2008 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield, IA.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at the funeral home with Rev. Jerry Caughron officiating. Burial will be in Batavia Cemetery in Batavia, IA.

The family requests memorials be made to Hospice of Central Iowa in lieu of flowers. Cards and memorials may be sent c/o:
2677 Ash Avenue
Eldon, IA 52554

Lawrence Edwin Gustafson was born September 17, 1922 in Des Moines, IA to John Linus and Vera (Smith) Gustafson. He married Lorraine Higdon and they later divorced. Mr. Gustafson was united in marriage with Betty Popejoy in Fairfield on August 22, 1977. She preceded him in death August 10, 2001.

Mr. Gustafson served in the United States Navy Seabees during World War II. He was employed at Iowa Malleable in Fairfield for 17 years, retiring in 1988. Prior to that, he farmed in Van Buren County. He attended the First Christian Church in Fairfield.

Surviving Mr. Gustafson are his children and their families: John & LaVerne Gustafson of Rugby, ND, Linda & Don Collins of New Johnsonville, TN, Kathy & Ben Praski of Ackworth, IA, James & Eunice Gustafson of Waukee, IA, Jerry & Georgia Gustafson of Eldon, IA, and Joel & Teresa Gustafson of Batavia, IA. He was blessed with eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his sister, Norma Baker of Des Moines, IA, half-sister Doris Robshaw of Bondurant, IA, and two brothers; Walter Gustafson of Des Moines, and Richard Gustafson of Grinnell, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty, sister Helen, half-sisters; Evelyn, Margaret Hurdlebrink, Wanda Carrol, Alice Freeman, brother Dr. Robert Gustafson, and half brother Albert Gustafson.