Dan Gustafson

West Des Moines

Dan Gustafson, 52, passed away Friday, August 7, 2015 in West Des Moines, IA. Memorial services will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, August 15, 2015 at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines with visitation one hour prior to the service. Private family burial will take place in Rockford, IL.

Dan was born October 8, 1962 in New London, New Hampshire to Charles and Patricia Gustafson. Dan and his family attended St. Bernadette's church. He graduated from West High School in Rockford, IL in 1980, attended Rock Valley Community College and graduated from University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. In February, 1988 he married Julie Lubkeman. Their beautiful daughter, Nicole Gustafson, was born in November 1990. He was employed, for 20 years, with Wells Fargo in Des Moines. Prior to that, he was a manager with Foot Locker for 6 years.

Dan was an avid sports fan his entire life. He ran cross-country in high school and continued to run, recreationally, for many years. Dan enjoyed playing softball and bowling with friends, but more than anything he enjoyed watching football, baseball, basketball, and hockey with his daughter. A loyal Packers, Yankees, and Blackhawks fans, Dan and Nicole also enjoyed visiting the stadiums for live games. His favorite athlete, however, was always his daughter and he enjoyed watching her run both cross-country and track at Urbandale High School. Dan is remembered as a man who deeply loved his daughter and family and would frequently go out of his way to do something helpful for others.

Dan is survived by his daughter, Nicole Gustafson of West Des Moines, IA; parents, Charles and Patricia Gustafson of Rockford, IL; brother, John (Donna) Gustafson and nephew, Kyle, of Mokena, IL; and brother, Ronald Gustafson and niece, Samantha, of Waukesha, WI.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family of Dan Gustafson for a future designation.