Burton Arthur Gustafson

Burton Arthur Gustafson, age 77, of Blaine, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in the arms of his wife Jean and surrounded by friends & family, on November 7, 2025. Burt was born in Pine City, Minnesota, on March 25, 1948, the son of Wayne & Ruth Gustafson.

While growing up Burt attended 8 schools, from Portland, Oregon; Pine City, Minnesota; Hudson, Wisconsin; and graduated in 1966, from Panama City, Florida. He was drafted in 1968 and served in Germany as a Chef for a General. After his service, he attended University of Wisconsin, RiverFalls Wisconsin, then transferred to and graduated from University of Wisconsin, Stout, in Menomonie, with a degree in Engineering. Burt was hired by General Electric as a Field Engineer in the Power Generation Division.

In 1981 Burt met Jean Frazier, a former classmate at Hudson High School, they were married in 1985, building a home in Somerset, Wisconsin; residing there until 1992. They then moved to the new home they built in Blaine, Minnesota; where they have lived for the past 33 years. Burt later worked for other Power Generation Companies, until he retired in 2013.

Burt and Jean spent much of their time with family and friends, when they weren't working. Burt was an avid reader and enjoyed watching movies. His passion was street-rods, most importantly his 1932 5-window coupe; attending all 3 days of the Back to the Fifties at the MN State Fairgrounds, with his wife, family and friends. Walt Disney World, Florida, was Burt and Jean's Happy Place. They belonged to the WDW Vacation Club, allowing them longer vacations, which they shared with many of their friends and family.

Burt is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne & Ruth Gustafson; sister, Susan Koosmann; and sister & brother-in-law, Joan & Phil Schneider.

He is survived by his wife, Jean; children, Lori (Steve) Lewis and Becky (Desmond) Butler; grandchildren, Stephen Lewis & Desmond Lee Butler; great-grandchild Jocelyn Lewis; nieces, Anna Koosmann and Eva (Iver) Branson; great-nieces, Zea (Joe) Ziemik and Aila Branson; great-nephews, Rowan & Ian Branson; great-great-nieces, Siiri, Lucia, Ellis and Lenora; brother-in-laws, Skip Koosmann and James (Lisa) Frazier; nephew, David (Michelle) Schnieder and their children, Taylor (Bryson) Wilkins and Gavin Schneider.

The family invites you to join them Friday, November 14, 6:00-8:30pm; at O'Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 s. 11th Street, Hudson, Wisconsin to share memories. A Funeral Service will be held the next day, Saturday, November 15, 10:00am; with a visitation one hour prior and luncheon to follow service. Burial and Military Honors at Willow River Cemetery. Watch the livestream of the service HERE

In lieu of flowers, donations to the family for a tribute to Burt or donations to The Parkinsons Research Foundation, are preferred.