Kewanee Mourns the Sudden Loss of Kurt Gustafson
America’s 250th birthday turned sad after Courtlin Gustafson announced that her father, Kurt, had passed away Saturday morning. Who was Kurt Gustafson? Kurt Gustafson was well-known for owning Gustafson Ford LLC in Kewanee. But Kurt was better known for his philanthropic work in the area. Kurt wasn’t just a business owner in Kewanee. He was a husband, father, family, and friend to many in the Kewanee area. It’s hard to type “Kurt was” because his passing doesn’t feel real. Gustafson Ford has been a sponsor for the Fourth of July Car Show since it was restarted by John Wirth. The Fourth of July Car Show has donated thousands of dollars to charities, including Hog Capitol Wildlife Rescue and Rehab and the Quad Cities Honor Flight in 2025. Kurt will be greatly missed, and our hearts are breaking for the Gustafson family. Kurt leaves behind many people who loved him but also a legacy that was passed down to his children.
Calling hours for Kurt are on July 9th from 4 to 8 PM at Zion Lutheran Church. The funeral is on July 10th at 10 AM at Zion Lutheran Church. Zion Lutheran Church is located at 250 East Street South in Kewanee. A complete obituary will be posted soon.
Regional Media CEO, Flether Ford, said, “We are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Kurt Gustafson. From the day I arrived in Kewanee for the first time, Kurt made me feel welcome. He was always supportive of what we were trying to accomplish, always willing to offer encouragement, and always proud of the Kewanee community he loved so much. Our staff and our family are praying for the Gustafson family, the entire Gustafson Ford team, and everyone mourning this tremendous loss. Kurt was a good man who cared deeply about Kewanee, and he will be greatly missed.”
A nearly decade-long labor of love is back on the road. Kurt announced on July 1st the completion of the restoration of his father’s 1981 Ford F-100 Flareside after almost nine years of work. What started as a truck project became a tribute to family history, craftsmanship, and a shared passion for automobiles. The restored pickup now stands as a rolling reminder of generations of hard work and memories. The family is also recognizing Lewis Autobody Incorporated, Midwest Rods and Sales, Tom “Flip” Wilson, relatives, and many others who helped bring the vision to life. For them, this truck carries more than chrome and paint—it carries legacy. Kurt said, “Projects like this remind us that vehicles can carry more than memories — they can carry stories, traditions, and family legacy.”
In October 2025, Gustafson Ford donated $6,000 to the Wethersfield School District through the Ford Motor Company Drive4URSchool fundraiser. Courtlin Gustafson presented the check, and the funds will go toward expanded learning opportunities in classrooms across the district. School leaders say the donation will directly benefit students by supporting educational resources and experiences. The effort also extended beyond the schools, with an additional $2,000 donation made to Habitat for Humanity.
In August 2025, Gustafson Ford donated professional-grade automotive tools to Kewanee High School’s automotive program, giving students better hands-on training for future careers. Owner Kurt Gustafson presented the tools alongside his wife and daughter outside the school’s automotive classroom. Instructor Dave Armstrong, a Navy veteran and experienced technician, says the equipment will help students build real-world skills and work toward industry credentials. The donation, supported through Ford Motor Company and local partners, highlights a growing push to strengthen workforce development and prepare students for technical careers across the region.
Gustafson Ford was a 2025 Silver Award winner in Best of Tri-Counties for Best Used Car Dealer. Gustafson Ford was a 2024 Gold Award winner for new and used car dealerships.
Kurt Gustafson joined Wake Up Tri-Counties in September to discuss the future expansion of Gustafson Ford in Kewanee. Gustafson Ford has been a family business for 75 years, with Kurt heading the family business for 40 years. Kurt talks about how he got started in the automotive business as a kid and a new apprenticeship program with Kewanee High School as a way to give back to the community. Under Kurt’s leadership, Gustafson Ford is making big strides in developing future automotive technicians right in their hometown. Gustafson Ford is undergoing a major expansion, converting a neighboring property into a state-of-the-art technology center. The dealership has teamed up with Kewanee High School and Ford Motor Company to create a pipeline for young talent, offering students hands-on training, Ford certification, and an apprenticeship rotation with Parkland College. This effort means students can graduate high school with valuable credentials and a head start on a career—while also supporting local businesses and strengthening the community. With an expanding facility and a dedicated effort to train young, local talent, the program aims to benefit not only the dealership but also the wider business community needing skilled technicians.
