John S. Dustin, age 91 of Darlington passed away Thursday, April 27, 2017 at his home surrounded by his three children. He was born March 15, 1926 in Milwaukee the son of Howard and Maybelle (Baggs) Dustin. John was united in marriage to Rose Mary Alexander in 1954 in Shullsburg. John lived in Shullsburg until moving to Darlington in 1964. He and his family prospected, owned and operated different mines in the Shullsburg area over the years. John retired from mining and began doing carpentry work for Lloyd Kruser Construction in Shullsburg and later for Schaack and Amenda Construction in Darlington.
John is survived by his wife Rose Mary; three children: John C. Dustin of St. Peters, Mo., Joan (Al) Smith of Palm Bay, Fla., and Jeri (Mark Hauser) Halvorson of Blanchardville; seven grandchildren: Matthew (Michelle) Dustin, Dustin Smith, Darrin (Alma Holt) Smith, Blake (Melissa Adams) Halvorson, Travis (Tracy Butson) Halvorson, Patrick (Lauren Birk) Halvorson and Kyrin (Lyrica Daentl) Halvorson; 13 great-grandchildren; and two brothers: Fredrick “Fred” Hofer and Lawrence (Darlene) Hofer both of Cuba City. He was preceded in death by his father: Howard; his mother and step-father: Maybelle: (Fredrick) Hofer, Sr.; one brother: Robert Dustin; and two sisters: Rosetta Fryer and Katherine “Toots” Farrey.
John cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will always be remembered for the precious moments he spent with each of them. John was an avid fisherman. He also enjoyed playing cards, Cribbage and listening to country music. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at Erickson Funeral Home (508 Main Street, Darlington) with Rev. John Bosco Pudhota officiating. A private family Burial will be in St. Matthew’s Cemetery in Shullsburg. A visitation will be held Saturday, May 6, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in John’s name.