Norman Charles Gustavson

Norman Charles Gustavson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, peacefully passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023 in Sandy, Utah, at the age of 86. He was born on April 19, 1937 in Provo Utah, to Oscar and Emily Gustavson. He was welcomed by his older sisters, Cora and Joyce. Five years later, his baby sister Joan completed the family. Shortly after his birth his family moved to Springville. He always considered himself to be a true “Springville-ite”.

Norman’s early years in Springville were marked by resilience. In 2nd grade he developed rheumatic fever and was bedridden for a year. While sick with rheumatic fever he also developed mumps and measles, there were several times where he nearly died. His grandmother, Grandma Gus, moved into the house to help care for him. In those days people still wore long wool underwear to stay warm. Dad was cold all the time. To remedy this issue Grandma Gus cut an old pair of Norman’s Grandfather’s underwear, just to his size, which he wore every day, for over a year, after his recovery, just to stay warm. When he finally returned to school, he had to repeat 2nd grade. He has felt truly blessed by this outcome, because this was when he met his lifelong friend George Hone.

Norman never cared much for school, his preference was to be fishing or cutting asparagus from the fields around his house. He was nine years old when he got his first job, picking fruit in the orchards, he loved it! In fact, he loved it so much that he continued with this job throughout his teenage years, picking fruit all summer and throughout the fall.

In his early teenage years his passion for craftsmanship emerged, he discovered that he could work magic with wood and fabric. He was very talented. This is also when he decided he loved school, especially his industrial arts classes, winning several woodworking contests while in high school.

After graduating from Springville High School in 1956, Norman dreamed of becoming an industrial arts teacher and hoped to attend Utah State University. However, financial constraints led him to BYU, following the footsteps of his two best friends. After two years at BYU he was offered a job in an upholstery shop in Springville. His first responsibility was to build wood frames for different types of furniture. Once proving his talent, he was promoted to upholsterer.

He eventually opened his own business, Norman's Upholstery, leaving a lasting impression on Springville and surrounding areas for the next 18 years.

Norman and his first wife, Darlene Atwood, married in November of 1959. They lived in Springville, where they raised their three children; Lauryn, Rod and Dan. Following their divorce, Norman met Marion Hutsenpiller. On June 17, 1977 Norman and Marion were married, in the Provo Temple for time and all eternity. This was when the two families became one, with the addition of Michelle and Jason. Shortly after their marriage the family moved to Hawaii where Norman was the supervisor of the Upholstery Department at BYU Hawaii for 2 years. Returning to the mainland he continued working for BYU for the next 23 years, retiring in January 1, 2001.

Post-retirement, Norman embraced new hobbies and revisited old ones, showcasing his skills in woodworking, camping, fishing, cooking and, of course, baking the best pumpkin pie this side of heaven.

Norman is survived by his wife, Marion Gustavson, and his five children Lauryn Gustavson Atwood (Ken Knuchell), Rod Gustavson (Bob Oliveira), Dan Gustavson (Catherine Gustavson), Michelle Johnson (Barry Johnson), and Jason Hutsenpiller (Stefani Hutsenpiller). Grandchildren, Jeremy, Cameron, and Dillon Swain, Michael and Matthew Knuchell, Daniel, Cole, Suanna, and Stanton Gustavson, Aaron, Austin, Erica and Lauren Johnson, Braydon Smith, Madison and Paige Hutsenpiller. As well as his 10 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his father, Oscar Rudolph Gustavson, his mother Emily Inger Norman, and his three sisters, Cora, Joyce, and Joan.

He was loved by many, and he will be greatly missed.

A viewing will be held at 11:00 a.m., followed by funeral services at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at the Orem North Stake Center, 1000 N. Main Street, Orem, Utah. For those unable to attend in person, the family invites you to join via Zoom (link provided). Norman will be interred in a private family service at the Evergreen Cemetery, 1997 S 400 E, Springville, Utah.

To view the Completed Services click " Watch Services" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/X3A6t7RX5rsRw8YXxgHQDMz3T7q3ZLa1dqjmvb7LbhwdyVJ9qfyHENZdt6zZ713p.Y50Wrq8ktfzdw4IQ?startTime=1701196517000