Wayne Albert Gustafson, 72

Wayne Albert Gustafson, 72, went to be with the lord on Friday Nov. 7, 2014.

Private Services were held by the family.

Wayne was born on March 27, 1942, in Blue Island, Ill. He was the son of the late Albert G. Gustafson and Agnes A. (Marlow) Gustafson.

Waiting for him to arrive was his big sister Sandra and soon to follow came his little brother Terry. His family moved to Barstow, Calif., where he spent the next 54 years.

He met the love of his life, Joy Hartzog, in Rialto, Calif., on a surprise blind date. They were married on Jan. 12, 1964. They were blessed with two daughters, Sherri Lynn and Suzanne Marie.

Wayne was a electronic tech in communications at Goldstone deep space tracking station for 28 years where he retired.

His hobbies included souped up classic cars and trucks, singing oldies with his grand kids and getting dirty in the yard, but his passion was woodworking. Hand making wheelbarrows and hand crafting the wheels was his favorite.

He had many first place ribbons from all his unbelievable talents.

You could always find him puttering in his garage creating something new and amazing. For the last eight years of Wayne’s life, he resided in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, where he enjoyed making new friends, watching the animals and loving all four seasons.

Wayne is survived by his Loving wife Joy of 50.5 years; daughters Sherri (Robert) and Suzanne (Danny); grandchildren: Jeffrey (Seirian), Amanda (Josh), Catalina (Jr), and Elizabeth; great-grandchildren: Josiah, Leland, Julian, and Levi; a sister, Sandra Depue; brother Terry Gustafson; and many nieces, nephews, friends and his little buddies Bubba and Susie.

Family and friends are invited to sign Wayne’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.