Charles “Charlie” Gustin, 76, passed away Sunday, October 28, 2018 in his home surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on December 11, 1941 to proud parents Charles and Irma. He lived all his life in Loves Park, graduating from Harlem High School in 1959 with scholastic honors including perfect attendance from 6th to 12th grade, and lettering in basketball. Right out of high school he began his working career with Barber Colman. They soon realized he was a mathematical whiz and moved him to design engineering. He was a real problem solver and greatly admired for his talents during his 47 year tenure, retiring in March 2007 from what became Gleason Cutting Tools. On May 12, 1962 he married the love of his life, MaryJane Winter. He enjoyed watching sports, especially the Packers, Cubs, and Tiger Woods; and always kept an eye on Harlem team results. He was an avid baseball player, bowler, and fisherman for many years. He loved the family vacations up to Fish Lake in Northern Wisconsin and trips to Las Vegas. Besides his wife of 56 years, Charlie leave behind a sister Carol Wyatt; a brother Wayne Gustin; 4 children: Kim (Jim) Cady, Charles “Mike” Gustin, Richard “Rick” (Stephanie) Gustin and David (Cris) Gustin; 7 grandchildren: Tiffany (Daniel) Buckman, Jimmy (Nina) Cady, Amber (Tad) Butitta, Brandon Gustin, Kristi (Jake) Brown, Bryen Gustin and Emily Gustin; 10 great-grandchildren: Aleysah, Ayden, Adalyn, Daxton, Katerina, Ryland, Angelina, Asher, Edison and Grayson; and a nephew: Tim (Peggy) Wyatt. Charlie was preceded by his parents, brother-in-law James Wyatt. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Swedish American Hospital and heartland hospice, especially his nurse Steve for the loving care and support provided to Charlie and his family.
Charlie hated funerals and dressing up, and never wanted anyone to fuss over him. So we hope you will join the family for a “No Tie” reception to honor and celebrate his life on Friday, November 2nd from 12 to 2:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Home 8800 N. Alpine Road in Machesney Park. Please wear your favorite team attire or come as you are; he wouldn’t want it any other way.
