Roger Ernest Gustavson

Roger Ernest Gustavson, of Eden Prairie, MN, passed away at home with his family present, on April 22, 2024. He had prostate cancer which had been dormant for 24 years. Roger was born on May 7, 1939 to Ernest and Olga Gustavson in Minneapolis, MN. After graduating from University High School in 1957, Roger went on to study history and psychology at the University of Minnesota, receiving his degree in 1961. After graduation, Rog volunteered for the draft into the U.S. Army. He served as a legal clerk for the Hq & Hq Company, 3rd Battalion, USAECR, Fort Belvoir, VA. He felt privileged to serve and was extremely grateful for the care he later received from the Veterans Administration. After his military service, Rog was chosen to be a management trainee for the Peavey Company in Minneapolis. However, an allergy to grain dust quickly changed his career path and an airline era began. His jobs in succession were Personnel Director for Northwest Airlines in Minneapolis, Director of Inflight Service for Frontier Airlines in Denver, Director of Inflight Service for National Airlines in Miami, Director of Inflight Service for Wien Air Alaska in Anchorage, Vice President/Owner of Jet Support Corporation and Parts Liaison for the Boeing Company, both in Seattle. His career in the industry gave his family several fun places to call home and allowed for many travel experiences, his favorite destination being Hawaii. In May of 1964, Rog married his longtime love, Carol, and they enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage filled with love and adventure. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Christina and Carin. Rog was profoundly proud of his children and grandchildren. Family was his greatest joy. Rog loved the great outdoors and took full advantage by boating, skiing, fishing and hunting alongside his dogs that he loved so much. His friends will remember Rog's "can do" approach to life. No job was too daunting. He single-handedly remodeled four homes with custom cabinetry and fine woodworking throughout. He volunteered as an AARP Tax Aide without a CPA background. He was a loyal friend who will be missed for his quick wit, positive attitude and knack for detailed storytelling. Roger is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carol, his daughter Christina Passaretti (David) of Darien, CT, his daughter Carin Gustavson of Stamford, CT, and his two adoring grandchildren, Anna and Drew. He was predeceased by his mother Olga Kristina Hansson, his father Ernest Henning Gustavson (both from Sweden) and his sister Virginia Margareta Paige. Memorial gifts are welcome, but not necessary. His chosen organizations were the American Cancer Society and the Animal Humane Society of MN. Per his wish, Rog will be buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. There will be a burial service with military honors on May 10, 2024.

Tributes

Roger Ernest Gustavson

May 7, 1939 - April 22, 2024

Tributes

Roger Ernest Gustavson

May 7, 1939 - April 22, 2024

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