Daniel Gustafson

“Daniel Gene Gustafson, 63, of Lakewood, Colorado passed away on Monday, July 15, 2013. Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Alvin Gustafson and Violet Marie McGregor, he was raised in St. Ignace Michigan. Dan graduated from LaSalle High School in 1968 and earned a BA in criminal justice from Michigan State University. He served six years in Michigan National Guard. Dan began his Forest Service career on the Hiawatha National Forest and in1977 relocated to San Diego, California. There he met Maribeth Kottman whom he married on May 10, 1988. Dan enjoyed buying and renovating homes as he and Maribeth relocated numerous times throughout California and Nevada, finally residing in Lake Tahoe before moving to Colorado in 2005. A Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer, Fire Arms Instructor, and Special Agent for 20 years, Dan retired in 2001. He was a great partner and friend to many. His colleagues fondly remember him as the “perfect psychologist”. He was always willing to listen, provide advice and counsel, and bring humor and calm to complex investigations or stressful situations. Dan was a lifelong hunter and outdoorsman. A cabin in Southern Utah was home base for many adventures over 13 years but nothing pleased him more than returning home to hunt with his brothers in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He was sincere and authentic with a sense of humor and love of life that made him a joy to family and friends. Those who knew Dan admired his strength of character and optimistic spirit he so clearly demonstrate during his five year battle with cancer. Dan is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Maribeth; his 99 year old mother Violet; three brothers James (Mary); Michael (Jody); Paul (Jill); a sister Sandra (Doug); and nieces and nephews Rosemary Gustin, Jim Gustafson, Kimmy Gustafson, Steve Gustafson, Mikey Gustafson, Marilee Barthelemy, Robb Gustafson, Peter Gustafson, Eric Gustafson, Sonya Pleisse, and Eric Paquin. He was preceded in death by his father Alvin; brother Gary; and nephew Mark. The family wishes to extend loving thanks for the extraordinary care provided by Dr Edward Arenson, Mary Pierick, R.N., Peggy Hugger, R.N., Dr. Edward Raczka, Dr. Marshall Davis, Dr. Nathan Persoff, Dr. Alexander West, and Dr. Elena Draznin and their staff. A Memorial Service will be held at the United Methodist Church of St. Ignace, Michigan at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, August 5, 2013. Arrangements for a celebration of life in Lakewood, Colorado are pending. Memorial donations may be made in Dan’s honor to: Easter Seals Rehabilitation and Stroke Program1755 Dover Street, Lakewood, Colorado 80215, Attn: Karen Garber The Colorado Neurological Institute 701 E. Hampden Avenue, Suite 415 Englewood, Colorado 80113 Attn: Lorre Gibson