Roland H. Gustafson

Roland H Gustafson, 94, of Rockford, IL, passed away Saturday January 23, 2021 in Rockford, IL. He was born September 21, 1926, in Rockford, to Sam and Olga Gustafson. Married Esther (Heinitz) on February 16, 1947. Roland worked as a salesman at Dierks Foods in Rockford for many years, retiring at the age of 76. Roland was a World War II Army veteran and was very proud of his service to the country. He loved to take long walks on the bike path along the Rock River. He also enjoyed fishing, and was an avid reader.

Roland will be dearly missed by his wife of 73 years, Esther; his sister, Evelyn Mullen; son, Larry (Bernice) Gustafson; granddaughters, Kari (Scott) Schrank and Jamie Kowalski; great granddaughters, Ellie and Emily Schrank; son, Roger Gustafson; grandson, David Gustafson, and his nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Olga, and his brother, Don Gustafson.

A special thank you to the staff at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center for their compassion and care for Roland during his final years, and their continued care for his wife, Esther. Also a thank you to family and friends for their support and visits with Roland.

Funeral arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. A memorial service will be held at a future date. Eventual burial is to be in Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery in Rockford. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Redeemer Lutheran Church Radio Mission.