Keith Robert Gustafson, 75, of Boone Grove, IN passed away Thursday, November 16, 2023. He was born April 30, 1948, in Valparaiso to Robert & Ella Gustafson, graduated from Boone Grove High School, and received a B.S. from Purdue University in Ag Economics. Keith began his career as a farm lender with Citizens Bank in LaCrosse becoming Branch Manager and was advanced to become the agricultural loan specialist at their Michigan City location. He then became manager of Wanatah Mercantile to conclude his career. Serving as Beef Carcass Superintendent of Porter County Fair for years as well as time on the Fair Board were a big part of Keith’s life. Add in time on the Porter County Farm Bureau Board and dedicating himself for more than three decades as a Supervisor with Porter County Soil & Water Conservation District, and Keith’s impact on area farming and conservation practices will continue well into the future.
On June 3, 1978, he married Mary Ann Downs who survives along with nephews; Jeff (Marcy) & Jay (Sharon) Gustafson, Lindsey & Nolin (Celia) Downs, and great-nieces & nephews; Katy, Kristen, Kaden, Keegen, Connor, Harris, Mina & Malia. He was preceded in death by son, Kyle Ray Gustafson in 2008, brother, Alan Gustafson, and his parents.
A visitation will be held Sunday from 1 – 4 pm at Kosanke Funeral Home, 309 S. Main St., Kouts (new location). The funeral service at the funeral home will begin at 10:00 am Monday with Chris Birky officiating and burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso. Memorial donations may be made to the Kyle Gustafson Memorial Fund, c/o Porter County 4-H Council.
