Gregory Gustafson

Greg was born February 17, 1947 in Kalamazoo, MI to Neil Walter Gustafson and Frances Jean O’Donoghue.  He grew up in the Oakwood area and often spoke fondly of his early years in Oakwood and Woods Lake.

On September 9, 1967 he married Diane Kay Eager in Oakwood Methodist Church.  Four months later he left for Vietnam.  Greg served in the Navy from January 1968 to 08-Aug-1969 aboard the riverboat Nueces (APB-40) as a boatswain’s mate.  On his arrival home he met for the first time his 9 month old twin sons Bryan and Ryan.  Three years later they welcomed Jason into their family.

In 1977 Greg and family moved to Schoolcraft.  Both Greg and Diane loved living in a small community, they considered it “home”.  In May 1983 they adopted their daughter Amy Kim from Korea, their family was complete.

Greg was co-owner of Advanced Plastic Corporation in Schoolcraft.  The company was his passion and he worked hard to see it grow and thrive.

Greg made many lifelong friends while living in the Schoolcraft area.  He was an active member of the Lions for many years.

Greg loved life and people; he was interested in many things such as scuba diving, aviaries, fishing and hunting, classic cars and in his later years gardening.  He was known to be a great teaser to many.

Greg is survived by his wife Diane (Eager); sons Bryan (Cheryl), Ryan (Angela), Jason (Kelly) and daughter Amy (Mark) Satmary; grandsons Korey (Marilyn Bean), Matthew, and Thomas Gustafson and Connor Newburry; his sister Deborah and brother-in-law Kenneth Block, brother Neil and sister-in-law Kathryn Gustafson, and many nieces and nephews whom he loved to tease.  He is preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law Cheryl Walker.

A celebration of life service for Greg will be held at 1:00 on Saturday, July 27 at Friendship Wesleyan Church in Plainwell, Pastor Kevin Smith officiating.

Internment at Fort Custer National Cemetery has occurred.

The family requests memorial donations be directed to Friendship Wesleyan Church, 1285 102nd Avenue, Plainwell, Michigan, 49080 and the Orange Heart Medal Foundation 13833 Owens Chapel Road, Springfield, Tennessee 37172

The family wishes to thank Tonia Spears of Ascension Borgess, his visiting nurse; and Compassus Hospice.

For the last 20 years Greg was a disabled vet.  He was a patriot , he loved his country, however he was extremely angry at his government for using Agent Orange in the Vietnam conflict.  He and many others before him died from cancer caused by Agent Orange.  His name has been added to the Orange Heart Medal Foundation wall in Springfield, Tennessee.  With his passing an orange heart has been placed next to his name.  At their annual ceremony on March 29 the names are read.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Gregory’s guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Gustafson family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097. 269-649-1697.