Obituary of Carl F. Gustafson Jr.

Carl Florentine Gustafson Jr. was born in Minot, North Dakota, to Carl and Leila Gustafson on June 18, 1927.  The family eventually moved to Rapid City, South Dakota, where Carl attended high school until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944 at the age of 17 to serve in World War II.

Carl served on the USS Lexington aircraft carrier, known as “The Blue Ghost,” throughout his naval career as a Seaman First Class, manning the “big guns” aboard the ship.  He earned numerous medals and was extremely proud of his service to the United State of America.  Carl spoke often about his tour of duty and the lifelong friends he made.  One experience that stood out above the others was when the USS Lexington was stationed in Tokyo Bay during the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender on September 2, 1945 as protection for the USS Missouri, where the peace treaty with Japan was signed.  The USS Lexington continued to be stationed in Tokyo Bay to assist in the occupation of Japan for the remainder of Carl’s service.

Following Carl’s honorable discharge from the Navy in 1946, he returned to Rapid City, where he graduated from high school and met “the love of his life,” Betty.  The two were married in 1949 and soon purchased a piece of property where they built their first home.  Carl began his career as a journeyman electrician, and the two settled into their new life together.

After the birth of their two daughters, Carl relocated the family to Lacey, Washington, when he went to work for Continental Can Company as the head of its electrical department.  He retired in 1988 and spent the past 31 years enjoying life with family and friends.  During this time, he was an avid bowler and fisherman, enjoyed playing pinochle, and loved to sing and dance.  He was a firm believer in keeping both your mind and body active, which served him well for over 92 years.

Carl passed away October 8, 2019 in Lacey, Washington.  He is survived by his daughter Judy; grandson, Eric; brother, Mike; sister, June; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Carl’s life was filled with love, laughter, family, and friends.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Services will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, 11:00 a.m. at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240^th Street, Kent, WA 98042-4868.

NO FLOWERS, PLEASE.