Richard C. Gustafson, 68

Richard C. Gustafson, (known to most Hudson residents as Gus), age 68, of Hudson, died on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 27, at his home, surrounded by his family. Richard was a retired Hudson High School teacher as well as former choir director at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church.

Richard was born on Dec. 12, 1943, in Forest City, Iowa. His parents were Marjorie and Victor Gustafson of Taylors Falls, Minn. On Aug. 8, 1964, he married Carol Berg, and their marriage was blessed with two children: Craig and Christopher. Gus accepted a teaching position at Hudson High School in 1965 and taught there until 2001. In 1980, he accepted the position of "interim choir director" at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Hudson - a title he held for 13 years.

Gus had a passion for education and worked diligently to help each of his students find success through the English and journalism courses he taught at HHS. As the adviser of the student newspaper for his entire career, he was also very involved with the Wisconsin Chippewa Valley School Press Association, twice serving as president of the association and teaching at its annual summer workshops for many years. He was also a fixture at the scorer's table for HHS varsity basketball games in the '70s and '80s.

Away from the school, he was enthusiastic about reading (particularly science fiction), volunteerism, music, and most of all, gardening. After retiring, his gardens expanded to occupy nearly half of his two-and-one-half acre lot in the Town of Hudson. He also shared season tickets to the Minnesota Timberwolves with Christopher.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carol; sons, Craig (Karen) Gustafson of Maplewood, Minn., and Christopher Gustafson of Woodbury, Minn.; grandchildren, Andrew and Maggie Gustafson of Maplewood; and brother Roger (Gail) Gustafson of Taylors Falls, Minn., as well as many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father and brother Stephen.

A celebration of Richard's life will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Hudson. Visitation will take place for 1 hour prior to services as well as from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2. All visitations will be held at the church.

Services are in the care of the O'Connell Family Funeral Home - Hudson Chapel, 715-386-3725.

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