John James Gustara

John (Jim) James Gustara, age 98, passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.  Jim was born March 23, 1927, to the late Joseph and Katarina (Zaumenski) Gustara of Hemlock, Michigan.

Jim was bigger than life in all he did and never did anything halfway.  He was a cash crop and dairy farmer in Fremont township for many years…an occupation that he had a passion for.  The land was his life and he passed that passion on to all who met him.  He farmed 100 acres initially and later farmed his brother’s farm.  He was fond of waking his children early during the summer to go work in the fields, as his biggest concern was fields full of weeds.  He was a great provider for his family, later in life working both the farm and at the Dow Corning, Midland and later the Hemlock plant. 

But it was never all work for Jim.  Enjoying life was also his passion.  On Sundays in the summer, he would rise early, milk the cows, load the whole family in his snazzy Mercury and head to Crystal Lake with the other farmers in the area and their families where they would spend delightful hours over wonderful food, laughter and swimming.  On one day in August in the late 60’s he took the family on vacation to Torch Lake and the rest is history.  Years of delightful extended family vacations, barbeques, frisbee playing, water skiing, and jarts filled his days in his beloved cottage.  His biggest love was cooking on those weekends.  The only thing to be considered was if the meal would be big…or huge.  He loved cooking for any and all and provided meals for so many that could not cook for themselves right up until his death.  He loved music, singing, and dancing…particularly polkas.  A delight for all to see and hear.

In 1948  Jim married his loving wife Helen (Bonnell) and they together raised four daughters who as he would say…have gone on to make him proud.  Helen was his loving partner until she passed way in 2012 after 64 years of marriage. During her final years he lovingly and unselfishly cared for her until her death.  But God blessed Jim shortly thereafter with a second angel to share his life with, Barb Bell.  Together they spent 12 years celebrating life.  Travel, long drives to “see the crops”, polkas, cooking, planting flowers and vegetables together and simply enjoying each other.  Jim became grandpa to Barb’s many grandchildren.  He was a World War II veteran, something he was very proud of as he loved his country.  His fondest piece of clothing was his WWII vet hat.  He was so fond of asking those that thanked him for his service …” how old do you think I am”?   Most were always amazed as he was a vibrant, younger than life man.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife Helen; sisters Mary (Kreager), Anna (Toma) and his brother (Joseph); brothers in-law Leonard Kreager and Andy Toma; and his beloved son-in-law Tom Hoss.  He is survived by his daughters Christine (Richard) Beebe, Marlene (Bruce) Hulteen, Betty Hoss and Julie Gustara; eight grandchildren and their spouses; and six great grandchildren. 

Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1035 N River Rd, Saginaw, MI 48609, where a Funeral Liturgy will follow at 11:30 a.m. Rev. Fr. Peter Gaspeny will officiate the service. Private entombment will take place at the  Roselawn Memorial Mausoleum. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or American Legion #439.

Please share your thoughts and memories with John’s family at the church or by visiting www.casefuneralhome.com.