Kenneth R. Gustafson

Reidsville – Kenneth R. Gustafson, 74, a retired Naval Commander died Thursday, September 18, 2008 at Morehead Memorial Hospital in Eden, NC after declining health for 5 years and had been seriously ill for one week. He was born in McKeesport, PA on August 8, 1934 to Emma G. Gustafson currently of Martinsville, VA. He is survived by his wife, of 7 years, JoAnn York Gustafson of the home, and three daughters, Nancy Ballentine and husband, Glenn of Palmdale, California, Linda Mireles and husband, Robert, of Virginia Beach, VA and Susan Klein and husband, Erik, of Virginia Beach, VA, one sister, Nancy Cline and husband, Paul, eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, two step-sons and two step-daughters and their families. He joined the United States Navy in December 1952. After serving in the USS Washtenaw County (LST 66) and USS Torsk (SS 423) as a Quartermaster, he was commissioned in June 1958 at the Officer Candidate School, Newport, Rhode Island. Following tours of duty in USS Sailfish (SSR 572) and USS Sea Owl (SS 405), he instructed in Submarine Tactics at the Submarine School, New London, Connecticut. He then served in USS Dogfish (SS 350) and in October 1968, he became Executive Officer of USS Hardhead (SS 365). He was assigned as Head of the Submarine Deck and Weapons Safety Branch at the Naval Safety Center, Norfolk, Virginia from April 1970 until June 1971 and then served as Executive Officer of USS Nashville (LPD 13) until May 1973. He was then assigned as a consultant at the Human Resources Management Center, Norfolk, Virginia. In January 1974 he reported as Officer in Charge of the Human Resources Management Detachment, Charleston, South Carolina where he served until assignment as Commanding Officer of USS Butte (AE 27). During his 26 year naval career he received Letters of Commendation, a Battle Efficiency Award, National Defense Service Medals and Good Conduct Medals among others. After retirement from the U.S. Navy, he worked for Miller Brewing Company in Eden, NC for 12 years retiring in 1999. On April 5, 2005 he was inducted into the U.S. Submarine Veterans Holland Club for fifty years as a qualified submariner representing honorable and faithful service to the U.S. Navy. There will be no local memorial service. The U.S. Navy will conduct a Burial at Sea with full honors at a later date.