In Memoriam: Fred Gustafson

Frederick Raymond Gustafson Jr., 77, of Watertown, passed away on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at his home surrounded by family.

Fred was born on April 4, 1941, in Rockford, Illinois, the son of Frederick Sr. and Edith (Hall) Gustafson. He was raised by his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Myrtle (Gustafson) Ekstein. He was united in marriage to Karen Kastman in 1963 in Sacramento, California. Fred was a lifelong student: Augustana College in Illinois (B.A. in philosophy), Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago (MDiv), Andover Newton Theological School in Boston (D.Min.). Once ordained he became a mission developer for the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Harvey, Michigan, where he served for four years.

In 1975 he received his diploma in analytical psychology from the C.G. Jung Institute in Zurich, Switzerland. When he returned to the U.S. in 1977, he became one of the founding members of the C.G. Jung Institute in Chicago. He had been employed as a psychotherapist for Lutheran Social Services of Southeastern Wisconsin from 1975 to 1994, at which time he established his private practice in Watertown and West Allis until his retirement in 2011. Fred authored four books and contributed writings to several others. On May 12, 2018, he received the Distinguished Service Award at the C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago’s biannual conference. He also received a certificate of gratitude for the 50th anniversary of his ordination from the ELCA on May 5, 2018.

When Fred dreamed a dream, he made it happen: from ship modeling to carving totem poles, planting prairies and building sanctuaries, his artistic and creative expression shows in countless ways. Most significant was his unique gift of making everyone he met feel important and the deep love he showed for his family. Fred is survived by his wife of 55 years, Karen Gustafson of Watertown; children, Andrea (Angela Wright) Gustafson of Chippewa Falls and Aaron Gustafson of Watertown; sister, Myrtle (Micki) Lorine of Rockford, Illinois, and nephew, Daniel Lorine; as well as other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, David Lorine.

Fred’s family would like to thank the numerous friends who have blessed, supported and provided for them over the past year. In addition, they would like to thank UW Cancer Center in Johnson Creek, Rainbow Hospice and Immanuel Lutheran Church for the compassionate care they gave Fred.