Dr. John D. Gustafson

Dr. John Douglas Gustafson, age 68, of Arlington, suffered a brain aneurysm and passed away suddenly on Sunday, July 31st, 2022 at St. Cloud Hospital. After completing his wish of organ donation, he passed into his heavenly home on Tuesday August 2nd, 2022. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 11th at 11:00am at Peace Lutheran Church in Arlington. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 10th from 4:00-7:00pm at Peace Lutheran Church in Arlington.

John was born on February 21st, 1954 in Mora, MN to Stanley and Dorothy (Nash) Gustafson. He attended and graduated from Henry Sibley High School in Mendota Heights. John graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead and received a Doctor of Dental Surgery through the University of Minnesota. On March 8th, 1980, John married Cynthia Lynn Swanson. They shared 42 loving and beautiful years of marriage. John and Cindy had three wonderful children whom they greatly adore – Jared, Ryan, and Eleanor. John opened John Gustafson D.D.S., PA in 1980 at the current office location in Arlington. Dentistry was John’s passion and his staff became his family. In 2011, his son Jared joined the practice and they became Gustafson Family Dentistry. He was beyond proud to share this practice with Jared and together with their staff, they provided excellent care to their patients.

John loved the Arlington Community and embraced many different roles there. He was a leader in church, member of the Ambulance crew for 25 years, a member of Lions and also served on the Sibley East school board.John was a member of Peace Lutheran church in Arlington. His faith in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ was the most important thing in his life. John was baptized in Mora and was confirmed in his faith at Augustana Lutheran Church in West St. Paul. He shared his faith with others and enjoyed attending Bible Study Fellowship with his son and grandchildren. John and Cindy first became grandparents in 2012. John’s love and devotion for his grandchildren was undeniable. He surrounded his family with love, patience, and guidance. John greatly valued his time with his family and especially loved his time with them at the lake. John loved the Lord in a quiet and powerful way. He was a dedicated, hard-working and loyal man. John showed his love through his actions and would do anything for his family - it was always “yes”. His hobbies included golfing and watching the golf channel, driving the pontoon, caring for his lawn, and teaching his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with Cindy in Florida every winter. His favorite place to be was at their cabin in Paynesville.

Left to cherish John’s memory are his wife, Cynthia; children, Jared (Stephanie) Gustafson, Ryan (Mary) Gustafson, and Eleanor (Michael) Cowger; his grandchildren, Charles, Oliver, Elsie, Nora, Stanley, Margaret, Daniel, and a granddaughter due in January; his sisters, Barb and Karen; his brothers and sisters-in-law; his father and mother-in-Law, Charles and Eleanor Swanson; and many family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and twin grandchildren in infancy. He will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. 

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to LifeSource or Bible Study Fellowship. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.