Robert Gustafson

Robert passed away peacefully November 26, 2018. He was born August 19, 1923, in Mason City, Iowa to Ben and Gladys Gustafson. Robert attended Hillside College before joining the Navy and serving his country during WWII as a Pharmacist Mate aboard the USS Mercer. After the war he completed his chemistry degree at Western Michigan University. It was there he met the love of his life, JoAn Coy. They celebrated 70 years of marriage on September 6, 2017. Robert proudly worked for MacDermid Corporation out of Waterbury, Connecticut as a chemist in sales and service. After retirement, he and JoAn returned to Kalamazoo to be closer to family. Bob was an avid Michigan football fan, enjoyed downhill skiing with his girls and grandchildren, fishing the streams in northern Michigan, volunteered at Loaves & Fishes and was a dedicated member of West Hills Athletic Club. Above all, Bob & JoAn loved their familiy and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with their girls and their families. Bob was preceded in death by his wife JoAn in February of this year, his brother, Lyle and sister, Juanita. He is survived by his four daughters, Cheryl (Jim) Middleton, Sue (Art) Bombrys, Corinne (Kevin) Hall, & Julie (Bruce) Ermatinger, grandchildren Courtney Rizzo, Amy Matejcek, Shana & Nathan Bombrys and Alex & Andrew Ermatinger, and six great-grandchildren. A service will take place at Fort Custer Military Cemetery later this spring. Memorial contributions may be made to Great Lakes Hospice or First Congregational Church in Kalamazoo.