John W. Gustafson

John W. “Jack” Gustafson, 88, retired Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, passed away peacefully December 9, 2020, at his home after a battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Jack was born in Madison, Wisconsin, to Howard and Kathryn (Kelleher) Gustafson. He served for 20 years as an Illinois attorney, and an additional 20 years as a judge. He was kind, thorough, and honest in his life and work. Anyone who crossed his path can attest to his character. After retirement, he and his wife Rita moved from Chicago to Michigan where they have spent the last twenty years enjoying their love of nature and giving back to others. Jack loved his many animals. He and Rita spent many years making life better for both their furry friends and for others who benefited from animal-assisted therapy in nursing homes, libraries, hospitals, schools, etc. He was lovingly cared for by his wife of 33 years. Jack is survived by his wife, Rita (Vargo) Gustafson; children, Elizabeth (Steve) D’Amico, Thad (Denise) Gustafson, Brian (Deanne) Gustafson, Rev. Christopher Gustafson and Therese (John) Jones; grandchildren: Regina, Anne, Dominic, Anthony and Stephen D’Amico; John (Nicole) Gustafson, Tom (Maggie) Gustafson and Megan Gustafson; Eddie Gustafson, Ryan (Marilina) Gustafson, Danny Gustafson and Elise Gustafson; Lara (Nathan) Kraus, Andrew (Brianna) Jones, Christopher Jones and great-grandchildren, Haley and Bryce Gustafson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Kathryn Gustafson; first wife, M. Eileen (Wood) Gustafson; daughter, Mary Eileen; infant son, Aquinas and sister, Karen Fortin. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated privately by the family, with Jack’s son, Father Chris officiating. There will be a virtual broadcast of the service available online at www.northbrookcatholic.church/livestream.html on Saturday, December 12, 2020, at 10 a.m. or on the St. Norbert and Our Lady of the Brook Facebook page. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at https://www.starksfamilyfh.com/">https://www.starksfamilyfh.com/</a>. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Jack’s memory, masses are welcome or a memorial contribution may be made to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd., Kanab, UT 84741; or to Caring Circle Hospice, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085.