By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
8 Comments
  • Visitation

    Memorial Visitation

    Saturday, June 29, 2024

    from 9:00 to 11:00 am

    St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL.

  • Service

    Mass of Christian Burial

    Saturday, June 29, 2024

    11:00 am

    St. Paul Catholic Church.

  • Full Obituary

    Kenneth L. “Gus” Gustin, 85, of Highland, IL, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, Friday, June 21, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Hospital, O’Fallon, IL.

    He was born December 30, 1938, to Samuel “Paul” and Luella (Nee Hatcher) Gustin, in Toronto, KS.  On April 11, 1987 he married Rita Holtgrave in Highland, IL.

    Ken was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL and Highland Country Club.

    He served 4 years in the United States Air Force, mostly in Fairbanks, AK.  Upon his discharge he went to work for AT&T as a lineman and stayed until 1966, when he became a professional fire fighter for Wichita, KS. He started working at B-Line Systems in 1969, in Troy, IL, and stayed until his retirement in 2001.  During his tenure at B-Line he taught welding at Belleville Area College part-time, on and off for several years.  In 2004 Triad High School talked him into filling in as a security guard for 5 days, he stayed 7 years and loved every minute of it.  Ken spent many hours volunteering and helping with the St. Paul Mega Flee Market.

    Ken was an old school dad, a blue-collar Don Draper, if you will.  He was a wonderful man, father, husband, uncle, friend.  He was the rock for his family.  Ken had an incredible sense of humor. He believed everything should be earned and, if it is worth doing, it is worth doing right.  His son talked him into being a guest for his radio talk show, and of course, he said he couldn’t do that. But after several conversations, he agreed to be on the air for a half hour segment, well, almost 2 hours later they had enough for 3 shows.

    He enjoyed fishing and golfing with his buddies as well as teaching his grandsons and grandnephews the joy of fishing.  Over the years, he shot 2 holes in one, and he was very proud of that fact. Ken loved his annual fishing trips to Canada with his buddies.

    Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Luella Gustin; sister, Betty Stockebrand; brother, Gordon Gustin; great-grandson, James Michael Gross.

    He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Rita Gustin; children, Lee (Tammy) Gustin, Winfield, MO, Lisa Gross, Highland, IL; grandchildren, Brett (Wendy) Gustin, Blake (Halli) Gross; great-grandchildren, Chloe Brown, Hazel Gustin, Ella Gustin, Maizie Gross; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

    Memorials may be made to St. Paul Education Foundation.

    Memorial Visitation: Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 9:00 to 11:00 am at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL.

    Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 11:00 am at St. Paul Catholic Church.

    Clergy: Fr. Pat Jakel, Pastor.

    Interment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Highland, IL.

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

8 Condolences
 
  1. JerryCarpenter / June 23, 2024 at 11:28 pm

    Ken was a coworker at B-line. I first met Ken when I did some work at the Troy plant. We hit it of right away and were friends after that. My prayers go out to his wife and family.

  2. Suzie and Jim Gallatin / June 24, 2024 at 8:03 am

    Dear Rita and family – Our sincere condolonces on the passing of Ken. We certainly enjoyed working with him at the Flea Market. He was a great guy and will be missed. We will keep you and family in our prayers,

  3. Bill Corray / June 24, 2024 at 11:34 am

    Rita & Family- You have my deepest condolences & sympathy on Ken’s passing. What a great guy he was to work & play with. I still have fond memories of our fishing trips to Canada with all our buddies. He was also very instrumental in the growth & success of B- Line Systems over the years. His sense of humor & ready laughs will be missed . May God bless & keep his soul.

    PS- I have also made a $500 memorial contribution to the St Paul School Education Foundation in Gus’s name from my Fidelity Corray Family Charitable Gift Fund. Please ensure it gets received. Any issues please contact me

  4. Edith Gerhard / June 24, 2024 at 12:36 pm

    Rita, so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your sorrow.

    Your cousin Edith Gerhard

  5. Brenda Bardill / June 24, 2024 at 8:58 pm

    I have very fond memories of Ken during my 31 years at B-Line. He was extremely knowledgeable and supportive. One of my fondest memories is of his John Wayne impersonation. I’m sure, if you knew Ken, you are now smiling. What a wonderful person. Our deepest condolences.

  6. Carol Kapp / June 24, 2024 at 9:30 pm

    R.I.P. Ken!!! 🥲🥲🥲

  7. Joan Wilkinson / June 25, 2024 at 10:08 am

    Rita, I am so sorry to hear about your husband. I know he will be missed terribly by everyone. You are in my prayers.

  8. Nancy Heidbrink / June 28, 2024 at 12:08 pm

    Rita,
    I am so sorry for your loss. I met Ken at B-Line and he was my mentor , friend and my work dad! He taught me so much and we worked hard and had some fun too! Your family are in my thoughts and prayers for days ahead.
    With Love,
    Nancy and Doug Heidbrink

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