Richard "Dick" Gustafson

Richard “Dick” Gustafson was born in Bloomington, IL on November 28, 1957, the son of Rolland and Marjorie Donaldson Gustafson. Dick was a 1975 graduate of Marshall High School and a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Paris. He married Cartha Wernz on July 21, 1979 in Marshall. He attended Midwest Horseshoeing School and went on to become owner/operator of Gustafson Horseshoeing for over 30 years. Dick and Cartha met through music and spent their lives playing trumpet together in the Marshall City Band. Dick received his 50-year recognition from the Marshall City Band this summer. He was also a member of the Lincoln Trail Jr. College Jazz Band, the Fabulous 40’s Dance Band, Jackson Township Community Band, and the Brassmasters Brass Quintet. He also served as Leader of the Clark County 4-H Jazz Band as well as playing for other numerous events. He and Cartha were recently inducted into the Wabash Valley Musicians Hall of Fame. Mentoring young musicians brought him much joy and was a huge part of his life, giving lessons and working with elementary and high school youth for the last 20 years. He was very proud that many of the youth he mentored chose music as their careers. Dick had a quick wit and teased everyone he spent time with. He made friendships through his years as a horseshoer and playing music that lasted a lifetime. He loved to fish and spend time with his dog, Dixie. He is survived by his wife, Cartha; children, Randy (Miranda) Gustafson and Dallas (Katie) Gustafson of Marshall; grandchildren, Kyla, David and Rolland Gustafson of Marshall, whom he picked on and loved deeply! He is also survived by brothers, Michael (Sue) Gustafson of Marshall and Robert (Cinda) Gustafson of Flora, IN; brother-in-laws, Carl Wernz and Jim (Sue) Wernz and a sister-in-law, Jane Warner. Richard is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Harold and Helen Wernz; a nephew, Christopher Gustafson and brother-in-law, Earl Warner