Ken Gustafson

Kenneth "Ken" Lee Gustafson, 83 of Casper passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at the Central Wyoming Hospice Center after a rapid decline in health.

Ken was born and raised in Casper Wyoming to Carl V. and Margaret A. Gustafson on June 30th, 1939. He attended Willard School, Dean Morgan Junior High, and Natrona County High School- Class of 1958. He then went on to graduate from Casper College with a degree in Electronics. At that point in his life, he was drafted but enlisted in the United States Navy and served on the U.S.S Conyngham (DDG-17) and served from 1962-1966. In the Navy he was able to see many ports across the world and would often share traditions from those countries. This likely was where his passion for ketchup began. Following his honorable discharge from his service, he returned to Casper and met who would be the love of his life, Patsy A. Matzke. They married October 15th, 1966 and welcomed two children into their world. He worked in engine repair, uranium fields on a probe truck, Control Data and then went into business for himself, Kenny's Engine Repair. There wasn't a small engine he couldn't figure out and was very meticulous, but the family quickly recognized the name brands of engines he wasn't fond of. He owned this business until his retirement in 2005. He spent a lot of time in the great outdoors with his family at the mountains and lakes, taking a variety of campers from camper shells to fifth wheels over the years. He had a love for boats and rebuilding things. He rebuilt his beloved 1963 Willy's Jeep, the "Scummer"- that he was able to express his love for "bright" colors.

He attended church over the years and was a member of the Mountain View Baptist Church. He had a strong and unwavering faith in the Lord and was grateful for all the blessings God provided in his life.

Kenneth is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patsy A. of Casper, WY, his daughter, Anna (Jon) of Casper, WY and son Henry (Debbie) of Moraga, CA. Grandchildren, Joseph Kinder (fiancé-Taylor) Casper WY, Drew Gustafson (girlfriend-Melanie) Houston TX, Mark Kinder (girlfriend-Delaney) Casper WY, Caroline Gustafson Moraga CA and Juliana Gustafson, Moraga CA. Kenneth leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Margaret A. and Carl V. Gustafson, his brother Carl A. Gustafson and grandchild, Mackinzie M. Gustafson.

A memorial service for Ken will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at Mountain View Baptist Church in Mills with military funeral honors. A private inurnment will be held at a later date at the Oregon Trail State Veteran's Cemetery in Evansville, WY.

Memorial donations may be made to the Casper Humane Society (849 East E Street, Casper, WY 82601) or Mountain View Baptist, (4250 Poison Spider Road, Mills, WY 82604)

Arrangements are under the direction of Newcomer Casper. To leave the family a special message, please select the "Share Memories" option.