Andrea Gustafson

Andrea Gustafson, 82, of Cherry Valley, IL, passed away on June 18, 2024. She was born on June 6, 1942, in Oglesby, IL, raised in Ottawa, IL, the daughter of Bernard and Angela (Salawa) Eichelkraut. She married Sven “Gus” Gustafson on November 18, 1967, and he preceded her in death on August 23, 2016. She earned her nursing degree from St. Anthony’s School of Nursing in 1963. She worked at Rockford Surgical Service as a Registered Nurse for most of her career, retiring from there in 2005. Andrea was a lifelong member of St. James Catholic Church in Rockford. She enjoyed baking, playing cards, reading, shopping, and jewelry, but most of all she loved to laugh. Anyone remembering Andrea will recall her beautiful smile. She cherished the time spent with her kids and grandkids. Andrea and Gus also loved to gamble, taking many trips to Las Vegas and the Riverboats. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society.

She is survived by those who loved her most, children, Jennifer (Joseph) McKearn, Eric (Reiko) Gustafson, and William (Catherine) Gustafson; and grandchildren, Sam, Rachel, Joe, Seth, and Kai. She is predeceased by her parents; husband, Gus; sister, Bernadine Fiorini; and brother, Jerry Eichelkraut.

A Funeral Service will be on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Avenue, Rockford, IL 61103. A visitation will take place prior to the service starting at 11:00 a.m. Burial in Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. Please share memories and condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.