Dewayne "Gus" Gustafson, son of Olga (Peterson) and Ernest Gustafson, was born April 8, 1934 on the family's farm near Albert City, IA. Dewayne, along with his 5 brothers and 2 sisters, spent his childhood helping on the farm. He also enjoyed helping care for his younger siblings, especially his baby sister Dorothy. Dewayne enjoyed athletics while in school and was very talented in football and even playing into the Marines.

Dewayne graduated from Albert City High in 1952. After high school he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served with the rifle Squadron Charlie Company 1st battalion, 5th regiment, 1st division. Dewayne spent time overseas in the Korean War. Much of his time there was spent on the front line. While serving in the Marines he was also appointed drill instructor.

Dewayne married Beverly Soper in May of 1956. To this union they were blessed with 3 daughters. In December of 1980 Dewayne married Mary Laubenthal and to this union they were blessed with one daughter.

Dewayne worked for (Mefferd industries) Positech Corporation in Laurens, IA for 40 years where he became production manager before retiring in 1999. Dewayne was a man who loved the Lord and wanted to share that love with everyone. He was a very active member of Hope Street Baptist church where he also served as an elder and was a part of the community youth group board.

Dewayne loved and showed much respect to his country. He was an active part of the Albert City and Marathon American Legion and serving sometimes as their Chaplain. Dewayne was a very loving and amazing father, grandfather, proud uncle, caring brother and devoted friend. He was always serving to help others. Dewayne enjoyed woodworking, fishing, baking and gardening as well as attending as many events as he could of his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Dewayne was called home to be with the Lord on September 19, 2019. Left to cherish his legacy are his daughters, Diana (Richard) Dahlquist of Mt. Horeb, WI, Alida (Tim) Cogswell of Zimmermann, MN and Angela Friedrich of Spencer, IA; sister, Dorothy (Bob) Conover of Cedar Creek, TX; 10 grandchildren, Paul (Kris), Erika (Chris), Ellie, Hannah (Nate), Evan, Alex, Mackenzie, Kaiden, Kinnick and Paizlee 5 great-granddaughters, Hailey, Elin, Adelyn, Aurora and Lorelei, many nieces, nephews and friends. Dewayne was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Lowell, Elmer, Kenny, Ron and Ted, sister Darlene Nelson and his daughter Debra.