Gustafson, Dan William Jr. on Thursday, Mar. 21, 2019, Dan William Gustafson, loving husband and father of six children, and President Emeritus of the Minnesota AFL-CIO passed away at the age of 91 years. Dan was born in June of 1927 in Minneapolis, MN to Dan and Alma (nee Fraser) Gustafson. After graduating early from Patrick Henry High School he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, serving in the Atlantic at the end of World War II. After returning home, Dan attended Dunwoody Technical School in Minneapolis, following in his father's footsteps, and learned the plastering trade. He began his work in 1947, and after several years in the trade he became the Business Agent for the Plasters Union Local #65 in Minneapolis. From there he was elected to lead the Minneapolis Building & Construction Trades Council in the 1960s. After his work with the Council, Dan moved into the role of Secretary Treasurer for the Minnesota AFL-CIO from 1978 to 1984, and served as President of the State Labor Federation's from 1985 to 1990 when he retired. Dan was a natural leader and was driven to do more. While serving in the role of Business Manager of the Minneapolis Building Trades Council he spearheaded the construction of a new United Labor Center, and became one of the founders of the Union State Bank in Northeast Minneapolis. He served on the Union Bank and Trust's Board of Directors until his death. Dan was a devoted and caring man loyal to friends and family. He was a lifelong champion and defender of working people throughout the State of Minnesota. He will be sadly missed. Wife Helen, and son Joseph, preceded Dan in death as well as his brother, Donald & sister, Florence. He is survived by sons, Dan (Karin) (Beverly) Gustafson, Matthew (Marion) Gustafson, Todd (Carolyn) Gustafson, and Audie Gustafson; Daughters, Kathleen (Lewis) Stichter, & Rebecca (Paul) Agranoff. Surviving grandchildren include: Patrick Stichter, Elizabeth (Michael) Dvorak, Nicholas Agranoff, Laura (Timothy) Tobin, Kurt (Meisha) Gustafson, & Danny Gustafson; as well as great-grandchildren, Jackson, Paige, Jonah, Winrey, Henri, brother-in-law, and dear friend, Del Schrempp. Funeral Service 1PM Saturday, April 6th, 2019 at Washburn-McReavy Glen Haven Memorial Gardens with visitation 2 hours before the service from 11AM-1PM. Private interment Fort Snelling. Washburn-McReavy.com Glen Haven Chapel 763-533-8643 5125 W. Broadway, Crystal

Published on March 31, 2019