Jan W. Gustafson, 64, LaPaz, Ind., died after a courageous fight trying to receive a heart transplant at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, Ind., on Wednesday, February 11, 2004, at 6:43 p.m.
Known in every coffee shop in Marshall County, Jan had many close friends and was loved by all.
Born in Valparaiso, Ind., on February 3, 1940, Jan was the son of Herbert and Charlotte Knoll Gustafson. He graduated from West High School in 1959 in West Township, Plymouth.
For over 40 years, Jan owned and operated the highly respected and reliable Jan’s Body Shop in LaPaz.
He enjoyed stocked car racing, loved his work and he did it well. His family was his life and he loved them all.
Jan is survived by a son and two daughters. They are: Jan Jr. and Mary Lee Gustafson and Beth and Tom Kollars, all of Plymouth and Tammie Radican, LaPaz.
Two grandsons, Christian and Ian Radican, LaPaz, survive, together with two granddaughters, Kailey and Kara Gustafson of Plymouth.
Jan’s mother, Charlotte also survives, living in LaPorte, Ind., as does a brother, Don Gustafson of Middlebury, Ind.
Jan was preceded in death by his father and by Gary Gustafson, a brother.
The family would welcome visitors to honor Jan’s life at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, on Sunday, February 15, 2004, from 2 to 7 p.m. Funeral services for Jan will be at 10 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2004, in the Plymouth Wesleyan Church, 11203 S. Michigan Road, Plymouth, Ind. The Rev. Lyle Breeding will officiate.
Interment will be in Fair Cemetery, Lapaz, Indiana
Memorial gifts in Jan’s memory may be made to the Marshall County Humane Society.