Joel Lynn Gustafson of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away at age 57 on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center after a long battle with multiple sclerosis and a yearlong battle with melanoma cancer.

Joel was born on March 20, 1969, in Red Oak, Iowa at Red Oak Memorial Hospital the son of Jon and Bennye (Gunn) Gustafson. Joel grew up in Red Oak and attended high school in Griswold, Iowa. He earned his Bachelor of Science in accounting from Northwest Missouri State University and then obtained his CPA license. He later became interested in computer science and gained certifications in that field. He applied his training in various vocations, including spending a number of years at Charter Data Services. After Joel was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, work and daily life became difficult for him.

While he enjoyed many things in life, including reading and watching movies, his greatest joy in life was his family, especially his three boys, Matthew, Andrew, and Michael, and the later additions to the family of Andrew's wife Carrie and their daughter Susannah Lynn. Joel found great joy in being a grandfather to Susannah, who brought the biggest smile to his face.

He was preceded in death by his mother: Bennye Savala and his son: Matthew Gustafson. He is survived by his father: Jon Gustafson of Red Oak, IA; siblings: Jeff (Teresa Snyder) Gustafson of Clarinda, IA and Joni Gustafson of Essex, IA; children: Andrew (Carrie) Gustafson of Louisville, KY and Michael Gustafson of Stafford, VA; and grandchild: Susannah.

A funeral remembering Joel's life will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak, Iowa. Joel will receive bodily burial, which he desired as a symbol of hope in the future resurrection by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Red Oak, Iowa.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.