Lewis Gustafson Obituary

Lewis Gustafson
Date Of Birth: 12/12/1931
Date of Death: 06/29/2025
Lewis Gustafson, family man, a dedicated engineering geologist and respected public servant, passed away on June 29, 2025, in Vancouver, Washington. He was born on December 12, 1931, in Lansing, Michigan.
Lewis graduated from Everett High School in Lansing as part of the Class of 1950. He pursued his passion for geology at Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1955 and a Master of Science degree in 1960. His commitment to education continued with post-graduate work at the University of Minnesota in 1974.
His professional career spanned nearly three decades with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Beginning in 1963 as a staff geologist in the Walla Walla District, Lewis advanced through various roles across the country. He served as Division Geologist for the North Pacific Division in Portland and concluded his career as Chief Geologist at U.S. Army Corps Headquarters in Washington D.C., serving from 1988 until his retirement in 1992.
Lewis also served his country through military service. He participated in Navy ROTC during high school and college and completed six months of active duty with the Navy before transitioning to the Army Reserve, where he retired with the rank of Captain.
Those who knew Lewis remember him as thoughtful, meticulous, and full of humor. A perfectionist by nature and a jokester at heart, he balanced seriousness with levity and carried deep concern for others with quiet strength. He loved photography, hunting, and being the biggest fan of his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and serve as a lasting tribute to a life lived with purpose and integrity.
Lewis is survived by his wife of 70 years, Joanne, children Lori (Jim) Swanson, Steve (Teresa) Gustafson, Leslie (Terry) Taylor; 5 grandsons, Seth (Jess) Gustafson, Cole (Christina) Gustafson, Evan (Emily) Taylor, Gabe (Kendal) Taylor, Nathan Swanson; 4 great grandchildren Adrina, Fable, Lune, and Joshua, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Erma and Palmer Gustafson, his brother Stanley Gustafson, and his sister Sharon.
Lewis will be laid to rest at Mountainside Cemetery in Scholls in a private ceremony. Please join the family at a Memorial Open House on July 20th between 12:30 -3:30 at 2723 NE 134th St, Vancouver, WA, The Inn at University Village in the President's Room.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the American Legion.