In Memory of Paul Gustafson
Paul Gustafson, a resident of Hudson, Wisconsin, passed away on July 21, 2026, after a brief illness.
Paul spent his formative years growing up in Wausau, Wisconsin, where he was raised by his late parents, Jim and Dottie Gustafson. Throughout his life, Paul was defined by his sharp intellect, his adaptability, and a genuine passion for understanding how the world worked. He was also social and he considered himself a free thinker. This curiosity led him into a deeply diverse and fulfilling personal and professional life.
Paul earned his degree from the University of Minnesota in aerospace engineering, which launched his early career in California. There, he held the thrilling and meticulous responsibility of working as a flight test engineer, collaborating alongside the US military to design and develop military jets for the Navy and Air Force.
Guided by a desire to share his love of knowledge, he returned to school and earned a degree in secondary mathematics education from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He brought his sharp analytical mind to the classroom, serving his community as a dedicated high school math teacher and developing a high school aeronautics program with local pilots. This exposed many of his students to airplanes and flying.
In his later years, he applied his expertise as a project engineer for numerous Minnesota road projects and the light rail system. Upon early retirement, he held numerous positions in customer care.
A private service and interment is scheduled for the immediate family in the fall of 2026. A memorial service celebrating Paul’s unique life and legacy will be held in the late summer or early fall of 2027. Specific details regarding the date, time, and location will be announced by the family at a later date.
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