[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 139 (Friday, August 26, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E881]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF GARY GUSTAFSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 26, 2022

  Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 
life of Staff Sgt. Gary Gustafson, USAF, Ret. Born on August 16, 1932, 
Gary peacefully entered the arms of our Lord on August 21, 2022. He was 
a family man, military veteran, and beloved member of his community.
  Gary was born and raised in the ``Swedish village'' of Kingsburg, 
California, where he grew up on the banks of the Kings River. He worked 
as a carpenter for most of his life, building his family home on 
acreage in the country. He helped operate the Royal Oak Resort family 
campground business, and he farmed grapes and tree fruit for the 
Central Valley. Gary was a man of simple tastes and pleasures who 
immensely valued family and hard work.
  A varsity football player at Kingsburg High School, Gary continued 
playing football after joining the Air Force, where he served 4 years 
working on various top-secret projects and assignments. While stationed 
in Utah, Gary met the love of his life, Elma Lee Kerr, and the two 
married in April 1955 shortly before Gary retired from military 
service. The couple moved back to Kingsburg, where they welcomed their 
two children, Gregg and LeeAnn, into their lives. Gary and Elma Lee 
shared many wonderful memories together over their 52 years of marriage 
before Elma Lee suddenly passed and peacefully made her way to our Lord 
in 2007.
  Gary retained his passion for planes long after his retirement from 
the Air Force. He spent many years flying his plane to Air Force 
reunions, where he reminisced with old friends and football buddies. 
Gary was a man of few words but many actions. He worked tirelessly to 
support his family and deeply loved his community--he spent nearly his 
entire life in Kingsburg, where he has left a lasting impression as a 
hardworking husband, father, and U.S. military veteran.
  He is survived by his companion, Greta Williams, along with his 
daughter and her husband, LeeAnn and Jim McClusky, as well as six 
grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
Gary Gustafson. His service to our country and contributions to the 
Central Valley will be widely celebrated and long remembered by those 
who knew and loved him.

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