Gary D. Justeson

Gary D. Justeson, age 69, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, July 17, at HospiceCare in Fitchburg surrounded by his loving family following a battle with kidney cancer. He was born on April 19, 1941 in Wisconsin Rapids, the son of Mabel C. (Hagen) and Nels M. Justeson. In 1959, Gary graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids. He attended UW-Stevens Point and graduated from Wisconsin School of Mortuary Science in 1967. Gary married Karen A. Krueger on July 16, 1966. They celebrated 44 years together on Friday. Gary was a member of the American Legion Post #38, the Army Reserve (1963-69), the Appleton Noon Lions Club (past president), the Cottage Grove Lions Club, the Mendota Club, and Lake Edge Lutheran Church in Madison. Gary raised his family and worked as a funeral director in Appleton at Brettschneider-Trettin for 17 years before he relocated his family to Madison. Gary was then employed by Cress Funeral Services in Madison for 18 years. He retired in 2002, yet continued to work part-time until this year. Gary was an outdoor sports enthusiast. Ski jumping was a passion during his younger years and then cross country and downhill skiing as he continued to have fun in the snow. He enjoyed golfing and fishing in Canada with his son, Hans. Gary traveled to the cottage in the Northwoods with his children for 37 years and continued to discover different routes across the country traveling west to Arizona. He was also an avid sports fan who enjoyed many Badger Sporting Events, Packer games and high school sporting events which he also officiated. Gary will be remembered for the countless hours of entertainment he provided to those who surrounded him. He enjoyed sharing stories about his many adventures. He always kept tabs on the neighborhood and was there to protect all of the people who are important to him. He was a wonderful father who truly enjoyed his children and was always proud of their individual accomplishments. He never stopped caring and giving to all who touched him. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Karen; three children, Hans Justeson (Amy) of Belleville, Holly Justeson of Scottsdale, AZ, and Heidi Hyland (Tim) of Madison; four grandchildren, Emma and Samuel Hyland, Jacob and Baby Boy Justeson (to be born in August). He was preceded in death by his parents, Mabel C. and Nels M. Justeson and his brother, James N. Justeson. A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, July 21 at LAKE EDGE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4230 Monona Drive at 11:00 a.m. preceded by a one hour visitation. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 20, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME from 4 - 7 pm.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Lions Camp, Leader Dogs and Lake Edge Lutheran Church.                                                                                                                                                                                   
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service Service                                                                 
3325 E. Washington Avenue 
(608) 249-6666