Larry Dean Gustafson, age 88, of Apache Junction Arizona passed away peacefully Thursday March 20, 2025 at Ashton Gardens with his wife Patti at his side. He was born November 11, 1936 in Warren, Minnesota the son of Christian E. and Hilda {Peterson} Gustafson. He graduated from Stephen, Minnesota class of 1954. Larry spent many summers helping out the farmers in the area. He spent several years working for an aerial spray company flagging the field for the pilot. After graduation he enlisted with the Air Force spending 4 years at several bases in the US. His last base was Eielson Air Base in Alaska and he knew that the west coast was where he wanted to live. He married Patricia Peterson, also from Stephen, in 1959 at the little white church in the vale. They moved to Alderwood Manor,Washington right after he got out of the service. Scott was born in 1959 and Gay Lynn came along in 1962. Larry had several businesses in Lynnwood that he owned and operated, Goodyear Tire, Shell Service Station, and sold Snap-On Tools. Larry was very active in the community serving as a volunteer fireman and on the City Council. They moved to Portland, Oregon in 1978 to be a regional manager for Snap-On Tools. In 1984 they purchased what became the Tool Peddler which he operated until 2015 when he retired and moved to Arizona. Patricia passed away in 2013.

He met Patti Stevens- the love of his life - in Hillsboro, Oregon and they were married in 2015. They lived in Hillsboro and did some traveling in their motor home before moving to Arizona.

Larry was a successful business man, a great man always willing to give a helping hand. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He developed a great work ethic from his mother who was still working in her 80’s. He never left a conversation or gathering without saying “It’s been a slice of Heaven”.

Larry is survived by his wife of 10 years, Patti, his brother Al(Jackie) Gustafson, his children, son Dr. Scott Gustafson and daughter Dr. Gay McCanlus, his grandchildren, Sage Gustafson, Maryiah Gustafson and Moxie McCanlus, his Aunt Verna Peterson, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Carl and wife Donna Gustafson, Ethel (Sister) Gustafson, son-in-law Don McCanlus and many aunts and uncles .

Arrangements entrusted to Sunflower Cremation and Burial LLC, Mesa, Az 85205.

Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice in the name of Larry Gustafson.