With great sadness, the family of Mark "Gus" Gustafson announces he passed away on March 9, 2025 surrounded by his family following a valiant fight against Crohn's disease and cancer.

Gus was born April 27, 1974, in Rockford, IL, the son of Gerald and Edith (Eder) Gustafson. The family moved to Hillsboro, WI where he grew up and enjoyed prime rib dinners at his grandma's restaurant and brownies and kolaches at his grandpa's bakery. Gus graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1992 where he excelled in basketball and baseball. He continued his education at UW-Stevens Point earning his bachelor's degree in Broad Field Social Studies and then a master's degree in Administration from Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI. Gus followed his mother into teaching and began his career in the same school district as her, teaching social studies at Royall High School in 1998. Along with teaching, he was the boys' basketball coach which included taking a team to the school's first State Tournament appearance in 2010. A special bond was formed with this group of young men that went beyond basketball and became a lifelong friendship.

In 2013, Gus took the opportunity to become 4K-12 Principal and Curriculum Director in Monticello, WI. Throughout his tenure at Monticello, Gus embodied the very essence of educational leadership. He was the heartbeat of the school. He cared about the staff and students and had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued.  He was often the first to arrive and the last to leave, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the students and staff.

Gus met the love of his life Rebecca Schmidt, and they united in marriage December 22, 2001. Their son Peter was born May 11, 2003, and daughter Ellie completed the family August 31, 2005.

Gus was bitten by the golfing bug early in life, spending summers golfing with his dad and brother and then enjoyed getting Peter hooked as well. His attempts to get "the girls" in the family hooked was a bigger challenge but he never gave up on them. Gus was an avid baseball fan, (Go Brewers!). He rarely missed an opening day. Not content to just watch the game, he took his appreciation of the sport to the next level by filling countless notebooks with Strat O-Matic baseball games. Gus had an active and strategic mind and exercised that daily with his enjoyment for reading and word games, especially crossword puzzles. Most of all, he loved his time spent with Rebecca, Peter, Ellie, and his constant companions, his dogs, Charlie and Winston. He loved the sound of the ocean and the warmth of sunshine.  Many cherished memories were made on family trips to destinations like these.

Gus is survived by his wife Rebecca, son Peter, daughter Ellie (boyfriend Rudy Wicker), his mother Edith (Dan Baisden) and brother Michael (Kelly) Gustafson.

A Celebration of Life is planned for May 4th, 2025, at Monticello High School at 11am. To honor Gus, the family encourages you to wear your favorite Star Wars, Brewers, Monticello Ponies or Royall Panther attire. (No Cubs or Cardinals). There will be an opportunity for anyone who wishes to share a favorite memory of Gus.

For those moved to honor Gus's legacy, please consider a contribution to the Green County Humane Society.  Memorials to the family will be used to establish a scholarship fund to benefit students at Monticello High School and contributed to other community organizations.

The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus is assisting the family.