Charles Gustafson

Charles Albert Gustafson, 85, of Ojai, died following a brief illness on Sunday, May 22, 2011. He was born August 13, 1925, in Clinton, Minnesota, where his grandfather had homesteaded after the Civil War.

Charles served in the United States Navy during World War II on the USS Kalinin Bay and saw action at The Battle of Leyte Gulf. After the war, he attended the University of Minnesota and following graduation was hired by General Electric. He worked in sales for 38 years and retired as Head of the Consumer Electronics Division.

He retired to Santa Barbara in 1985 and spent the last decade in Ojai. Charles attended Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Ojai and enjoyed sailing, reading, playing bridge and cycling. He was a member of the Cazenovia Sailing Club and Big Stone Lake Fishing Club. An active volunteer, he was a Docent at the Natural History Museum of Santa Barbara and participated in fundraising for Planned Parenthood.

Charles was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Pauline, in 2008 and brother, Robert Gustafson. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, John C. Gustafson, M.D. and Stephanie M. Gustafson of Ojai; grandchildren, Alexandra, Matthew and Emma; and his sister, Mrs. Isabel Wolner of Ortonville, MN; and sister-in-law, Mrs. Marie Gustafson of Clinton. MN.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 4, 2011, 1:00 P.M., at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1212 Maricopa Highway, Ojai, with Pastor Ben Unseth officiating. Refreshments will follow the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Ojai, 805-646-5652.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.