Gustafson, Neil V. peacefully entered eternal rest on March 27th, 2026, at the age of 79. He was the beloved husband for 50 years to the late Linda Gustafson (Jones). Loving father of Ian Gustafson, Damien Gustafson and Devon (Gary) Drikow. He was the extremely proud grandpa of Jacob and Luka Gustafson and Gavin, Maya and Grant Drikow. He is survived by his sister Sharon (Kaye) Rockwell, and sister-in-law, Sharon Salerno. Neil is remembered with love by extended family, friends, neighbors and coworkers.
Neil was born on October 30th, 1946, to Neil V. and Palma (née Pennucci) Gustafson, in Brooklyn, NY. He attended St. Boniface Elementary and Christian Brothers High School in Quincy, IL. Neil met his loving wife, Linda in Quincy, and they were married on September 11, 1971 at Salem UCC. They moved to St. Louis in June of 1981 and raised their family there.
Neil was a humble US Army veteran. He served in the 126th Service and Supply Company Guard Unit in the Vietnam War. He then spent his career in furniture sales and management. He started in Quincy at Biederman’s, and he then co-owned Comfort Unlimited and McNett Furniture before moving to St. Louis where he worked at Sleep Station finishing his career at Carol House Furniture. Neil was a man of great character, remembered for his dedication, strong work ethic, sense of humor and unwavering support for his family. He formerly was president of Quincy’s Junior Bowling Association, Treasurer of Elk’s Lodge #100, and board member of Quincy Area Bowling Association. Neil treasured holidays surrounded by loved ones, Linda’s cooking, and vacations with family.
Services: Visitation Friday, April 10th, 10:30-1:00pm at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road. Funeral Services will be at 1:00 pm immediately following visitation. Interment following at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. There will be a Celebration of Life following at Cafe Telegraph.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of the following per Neil’s wishes:
Baby Fold ( in Honor of Ian Gustafson)
100 East Willow
Normal, Il 61761
https://thebabyfold.givingfuel.com/the-baby-fold
St. John’s Hospital Neonatal ICU (in Honor of Damien Gustafson)
800 E. Carpenter
Springfield, IL 62769
https://giving.hshs.org/sjs/Donate
Hagemann Elementary School (in Honor of Devon Drikow)
6401 Hagemann Rd
St. Louis, MO 63128
The Mitchler family extends our collective and deepest sympathies to Neil’s children Ian, Damien, and Devon, as well as to Neil’s grandchildren Jacob, Luka, Gavin, Maya, and Grant. Our sincere condolences also to the entire immediate and extended Gustafson, Jones, Drikow, Rockwell, and Salerno families. May God hold all of you close during this difficult time and give you the peace that passes all understanding. Thank you for your service during the Viet Nam War, Neil. You were a good guy who will always be remembered. Rest in Peace…