Jack Michael Gustafson

Jack Michael Gustafson, 68, of Mankato, MN, passed away at home on August 27, 2026 surrounded by family.

Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Hosanna Lutheran Church, Mankato with a visitation one hour before. Military honors will immediately follow the service at the church. Private burial will be held at Woodland Hills Memorial Park, Mankato. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Hosanna Lutheran Church, or Echo Food Shelf. Livestream of the service will be available at https://subsplash.com/u/hosannalutheranchurchman/media/d/jz3k4gp-jack-gustafson-funeral. 

Jack was born to Hilbert and Bernadine (Buche) Gustafson in Gaylord, MN on July 21, 1958. He grew up in Winthrop, a three-sport athlete, and graduated as a proud Winthrop Warrior.

Jack enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served from 1976-1980 as a Security Police Officer. During that time, he spent 2 years in Europe and 2 years in Missouri. Jack earned a business degree in 1984, graduating with honors from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Jack married Trudie Kozitza on August 3, 1985 and together welcomed their son Grant, who was his pride and joy. Jack worked for Taylor Corporation Companies for 38 years.

Jack’s core passions in life were faith, family and football. Conversation came easily with Jack. He valued personal connections, and was a natural giver which led to volunteering at Echo Food Shelf and Hosanna Lutheran Church. He loved deeply as a dedicated son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend.

Left to remember Jack are his wife of 41 years, Trudie; son, Grant; brother, Randy (Sandy); aunts, Betty Corcoran, and Joan Gustafson; siblings-in-law, Sandy (Mark) Schaefer, Dick (Ruth) Kozitza, Jacquie (Brian) Grams, and Bill (Sherry) Kozitza, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Hilbert and Bernadine; in-laws, Richard and Orvah Kozitza; brother-in-law, Tony (Jan) Kozitza, and many other extended family members.