Burt Gustafson

Burt Gustafson passed away peacefully on October 22, 2022. Burt was born in Marquette, Michigan in 1925. He grew up in Newberry Michigan. After graduating from Newberry High School, he served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. After the war, he attended Northern Michigan University, where he met his future wife Alice Lundin and was a 12-letter winner in football, basketball, and track. He coached at Escanaba High School and Battle Creek High School before returning to his alma mater Northern Michigan to coach from 1956 to 1961. In 1962, he was hired as a coach for the Wyoming Cowboys. The 1966 team played in the Sun Bowl and the following season was ranked 5th in the nation, participating in the Sugar Bowl. Both teams were inducted into the U.W. Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1971, Burt joined the Green Bay Packers coaching staff. He worked for the Packers for 18 1/2 years, serving under four head coaches. His roles included linebacker assistant coach, special teams assistant coach, Pro Scout, Director of Pro Scouting, and Administrative Assistant in Football Operations. In 1989, he retired from the Packers, and he and Alice built their retirement home on Chicaugon Lake in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Burt stayed active with his grandchildren, hunting, fishing, swimming, sailing, golfing, stamp collecting, and reading. Coach Gus, as he was known for most of his life, was inducted into the Upper Peninsula Football Hall of Fame and the Northern Michigan Football Hall of Fame. He was generous with his time and his talents throughout his life. He would gladly speak at high school commencements, athletic banquets, and football camps. Family and friends enjoyed his wonderful storytelling ranging from Native American legends to personal recollections. Burt is preceded in death by his wife Alice Lundin Gustafson, son John Gustafson, grandson Nathan Gustafson, and son-in-law Jim Wittig. He is survived by his son Bill (Cindy) Gustafson of Superior, WI; daughter Mary Serama of Green Bay, WI; daughter Alice (Tom) Wilhelm of Laramie, WY; daughter Kathie Wittig of Cottage Grove, MN; and daughter-in-law Jeannie Relford-Gustafson of Birmingham, AL. He leaves behind four granddaughters: Kali Collins, Abbigail McNamara, Amanda Monahan, and Kathleen Wilhelm, five great-grandchildren, and dear friend Naomi Ropiak. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 am on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Caspian, MI. A Memorial Mass will follow at 11:00 am at the church. Burial will be in the Stambaugh Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made in Burt’s name for the preservation of Chicaugon Lake (checks payable to CLPOA lake preservation, P.O. Box 491, Iron River, MI 49935, or donate at chicaugonlake.weebly.com/) St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Caspian, MI; or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Burt Gustafson online at www.nashfuneralhome.net. The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home of Crystal Falls with the funeral arrangements.

Burt Gustafson

November 30, 1925 - October 22, 2022