Dale Gustafson

Dale A. "Gus" Gustafson, 85, of Indianapolis passed away June 26, 2014. He was born December 29, 1928 to Erick and Aline (Bill) Gustafson. Dale took his first plane ride in 1939 at the age of 10. He started taking flying lessons in 1945 and soloed at 16. After high school he worked at the airport in South Bend, Indiana, servicing airliners, handling cargo, and doing field maintenance. Dale attended Spartan School of Aeronautics in 1948 and 1949 to obtain additional pilot ratings. After this, he freelanced as a flight instructor and ran a small FBO at South Bend until he was hired as a co-pilot on Turner Airlines in Indianapolis in 1950. After more that 35 years he retired as senior pilot with USAir. Dale has owned various aircraft. They ranged from antique to modern. He had currently owned J-4 airframes awaiting restoration and an Aeronca Chief. Dale has been an EAA member since 1961 and the VAA since it was organized; he served as an advisor to the Division and was currently serving as a director. For many years he has judged Antiques and served as a chairman for the VAA Antiques Awards. He had served for 5 years as president of EAA Chapter 1311 an was currently serving as a director. The Chapter is located on the west side of the Indianapolis area. He was a long time member of EAA Chapter 67 and was also an active member of EAA Warbird SQDN 3. He stayed active in general aviation by spending time at Sheridan Airport north of Indianapolis. He is preceded in death by his parents, Erick and Aline (Bill) Gustafson and son, Eric Gustafson. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Faye Gustafson and daughters, Anne and Nancy Gustafson. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 29 from 4 pm - 8 pm in Stevens Mortuary, 5520 W. 10th St., Indpls. A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 30 at 10 am also in the mortuary. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to EAA Young Eagles, P.O. Box 3086 Oshkosh, WI 54908-3086 in memory of Gus.