Rodger M. Gustafson

Rodger M. Gustafson, 78, of Ashtabula, passed away peacefully Monday while surrounded by

his loving family.

Rodger was born in Ashtabula on February 7, 1946, to Gunnard and Leona (Bell) Gustafson

and was a 1964 graduate of Harbor High School where he played basketball, ran track, and was

the star quarterback for the Mariners’ football team.

On February 18, 1967, he married the love of his life, Lucille. After three kids, three grandkids,

and fifty years of marriage were celebrated, Lucille passed away. Rodger was heartbroken but

continued on even as Alzheimer’s rapidly reared its’ ugly head into what remained of his life.

Rodger was a handyman who could fix pretty much anything that was put in front of him. He

enjoyed a good challenge and, whether it be a minor repair or painting an entire house, his

determination for perfection showed in all of his work. Rodger worked at Farmer’s Bank early

on, but ultimately retired from Gabriel Performance Products in 2016 after over 30 years as a

boiler operator. He refused to sit still after retirement and went on to work as a part-time janitor

for the Ashtabula City Schools until 2022.

In his spare time, he enjoyed bowling, golf, and knocking down walls to improve the house when

Lucille asked. As the kids got older, he and Lucille decided to travel to places like Hawaii,

Alaska, New Orleans, and Mexico. Rodger was a patient, kind, and humble man. He’d give

you the shirt off his back if he so much as thought you needed it and expected nothing in return.

Rodger was a proud and supporting father and grandfather who was always present at events.

He loved to share his sense of humor by telling as many corny dad jokes as he could until you

laughed along with him.

Survivors include his son Alan (Lisa) Gustafson of Ashtabula, daughters Karen (Mark) Mehollin

of Willoughby, and Amy Gustafson of Ashtabula; sister Leah (Gary) Joslin of Conneaut, and

brother Peter (Donna) Gustafson of Terre Haute, Indiana; grandchildren Dane, Madalyn, and

Mason; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Gunnard and Leona as well as his brothers Ken, Tom,

and Gary.

Viewing will be at Guerriero Funeral Home (1550 W. 19th St.) from 10:30 am until noon on

Saturday, August 17th, followed with a brief service and burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Family and close friends are invited to a light lunch at the Ashtabula Arts Center afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in his memory to the Alzheimer's

Association (Cleveland Area Chapter, 3 Summit Park Drive, #550, Independence, Ohio 44131) .

Condolences can be made at guerrierofuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rodger M. Gustafson, please visit our floral store.