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Eric's longtime friend, Tom Herbert, reports that he received notice from Eric's wife of Eric's passing on Saturday, May 27, 2023. An obituary for Eric was published June 18, 2023 and follows:
Gustavson, Eric J. Jr. of Plymouth MN was born July 6, 1944 in Staten Island, NY and died May 27 at 9:14 PM at the age of 78. Preceded in death by son Evan Peter Gustavson. Survived by wife Deidra (Moehring) \Gustavson, Medina, MN, sons: Eric Carl (Wendy) Duluth, MN, Ethan (Amanda), Loretto, MN, sister: Susan (John) O'Day, Kenosha, WI, brother-in-law: Carl J (Chris) Moehring, Bandon, OR, nephew and nieces: Jan Eric, Craig, Carl, Jonathon, Kristin and Amanda, grandchildren: Abigail, Skyler, Hannah, Aricin, Cooper and Violet. Eric graduated from Moline Senior High School (1962); Gustavus Adolphus College (1966); Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (1971). He went on to serve the Lutheran parishes of Swanburg/Crosslake (1971-1975); Elim, Duluth (1975-1985); St. John's, Mound, MN (1985-2003); Mt. Olivet, Mpls, MN (2003-2007). He served as a board member to the Lutheran Camp Board; Lutheran Social Services; Trustee Gustavus Adolphus College. Eric enjoyed being a volunteer concierge at the Tyrone Guthrie Theater, Methodist Hospital Patient Relations Board. While in college, Eric excelled in drama and the arts. He was accepted to grad school for theater but decided to do seminary instead following in his father's footsteps. He loved his kids, his dogs, his boats and spending many happy hours with friends on Lake Minnetonka. He cherished his many, many lifelong friendships. He had a voice that filled a room. He was a wonderful husband, dad and grandfather. We miss his silly jokes, his energy and his empathy. Memorials preferred to Gustavus Adolphus College, Pause 4 Paws or the St. John's Lutheran Church Foundation. "Goodnight sweet prince and flights of angels, sing thee to thy rest" Huber Funeral & Cremation Services Mound Chapel 952-472-1716 huberfunerals.com
Tom Herbert wrote a posthumous note to Eric as a tribute to their longtime friendship. He included the picture he said was of Eric’s “favorite shot.” Tom wrote ...
“My farewell to Eric is ... thanks old friend for the countless hours talking from the driver's seat with one or both of us on the roll.
“My favorite story was during your car delivery days about 2010 when you flew to Oregon to pick up the classic Saab sports car to drive it back to Minneapolis.
“Remember we talked for three hours as you negotiated the icy roads in a mountain snowstorm. We talked to keep you sharp.
“This was a much better story than when we drove the '61 Olds up the back roads of Iowa and Minnesota to your family cottage at Moose Lake. I was the big guy who looked old enough to buy beer. I told the guy in the liquor store I was a lumberjack traveling through.
“Those are but a few of our moments big guy... .”
https://www.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/0000461185/?fullname=eric-j-gustavson,-jr
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Bob Willis
I am truly saddened to hear of Eric's passing. Heaven gained a TRUE gentleman! Although I did not get to know Eric well during our senior year (my only year at MHS), I observed him and found out he was a GREAT man. My thoughts and prayers to his wife, family, and his many friends. You have finished your race, Eric.....you lived a life where you touched many, many lifes! Well done, my friend!
Stuart V Mott
Eric was a partime friend we would hang out togther at differnet events. When he walk in he controlled the room with his size and his smile he will be missed
Nancy A Groene (Bené)
Eric's father was the pastor of our Lutheran Church (Trinity). I remember he was the lead in Taming of the Shrew in (I think) our senior year. He was a good guy. l missed him at the 60th reunion.
Russell D Howard
Eric had an amazing recall to be the lead in Taming of the Shrew. He was outgoing, more mature than most of us back then, and a great guy to talk to with his ministerial stories from his Dad. He and Peg Willey were children of ministers, and boy, they were well-liked with their personalities. It's hard to picture him not here anymore. Rest in peace.
Ken Storms
When I was growing up in Moline, my family attended Triniy Lutheran Church. I remember when Eric's dad became the minister and Eric arrived at MHS. He was really something and different than most of the kids I hung out with. A litttle more sophisticated and very outspoken. I was surprised that he became a minister.
I came to appreciate him and have continued to be friends with him on Facebook. He posted some great stuff and was a little left of many other people. I really liked that about him and reposted a lot of what he put on Facebook. I always read his stuff and looked forward to seeing more. I will miss him. He was a great friend and classmate. We're losing too many now with greater frequency.
Lana R Jacobs
Several things I remember about Eric: his wonderful laugh, smile that covered his entire face and his God Given gift of voice/acting. We were in "Operetta Workshop" together. I'm sure his warm personality and knowledge of our Heavenly Father helped many people through the years. RIP
Terry N Kramer
Sorry to learn of Eric's passing. Talked with him several times over the last three months. He recovered from one long stay in the hospital and seemed strong the last time I was able to talk with him. He had that old "Gus" sense of humor that could go from serious to laughter in an instant. He was fun to talk to. He was a man of many talents as we know from all the productons he starred in at MHS. Woodie and I sang "Where Have All the Flowers Gone" with him in ADC. He was in our wedding in '65. We toured the Holy Land with him in '99.and had a great time. We will miss him. I will drink a toast to Rev. Eric J Gustavson.. Our class has lost another dear friend..
Terry
Woodie Acord
Eric came to Moline when his Dad became pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church. This was when were in the 9th. grade at John Deere. He was a close neighbor as the Lutheran parsonage was not far from our home. He had kind of a wake up call when he was caught driving his families 48 Plymouth to school and had to appear before Mr. Cooper. We drove to high school together with Tom Herbert and Jim Rosborough. We were always in drama and sports and spent many an afternoon on the Mississippi in his parents boat. Eric was a dear friend and a very accomplished individual in later life. We talked many times over the years and he will besorely missed.