Peter Louis Gust
In 1973, he married his high school sweetheart, Carol Gamble. This marriage blessed him with two remarkable children, Peter (Nik) and Kelly. His family followed his career throughout Wisconsin. He taught social studies in the classroom and nurtured athletes on the football field beginning at Palatine Jr. High, then St. John’s Military Academy, Marshfield, Eau Claire Regis, and finally Wisconsin Dells.
As an educator, he was known for his innovation and leadership. As a coach he was remembered as a determined competitor and wise mentor. Among his numerous recognitions, he was most proud to be named both Coach of the Year in 1984 and the 1994 Social Studies Teacher of the Year. Through his desire to promote professional development, he helped create the South Central Inservice Consortium which partnered the teachers’ union with school administration in pursuit of outstanding personal growth opportunities for teachers throughout the area. It was through this work that he met and fell ass-over-tea kettle for Elizabeth Meier and married her in October of 1997. Together they raised two amazing sons, Thor and Matthew. He left the classroom in 2009 but remained in the field of education, becoming a union advocate where he was a sonorous voice of reason, influence, and stubborn zeal in defense of public education.
He moved to Friendship, WI in 2019 to enjoy the splendor of Castle Rock Lake, but never stopped serving others. His most recent venture was as the self-appointed photographer for the Adams-Friendship high school sports teams taking hundreds of photos to ensure all athletes were recognized. Peter’s appreciation for the beauty and bounty of nature, his commitment of service to others, and unquenched thirst for knowledge were gifts from his Pa and he spent his life passing those virtues on to his children through example and experience.
Peter was many things: educator, coach, pillar of strength, visionary, motorcycle enthusiast, volunteer, storyteller, athlete, professor, avid outdoorsman, devoted husband, stalwart big brother, and caring father. Generous and kind, he suffered no fools, stood silent, never.
While he was passionate about his work, it was his family he cherished most. His love for his children was unwavering, his pride in them immense. Always a straight shooter, he could be depended upon to share his wisdom and offer sound advice – solicited or not. His legacy lives on in them.
He will be incredibly missed but remain in the hearts of his wife, Elizabeth, his children, Peter Gust, Kelly (Craig) Berntsen, Thor Gust and Matthew Gust; His siblings Jim (Roberta) Gust, Cathy (Bob) Krol, Philip (Bev) Gust, Tom (Julie Bishop) Gust, Christopher (Lori) Gust, Hope (Jim) Birch, Monica (Jeff) Weis, Beth (Terry) Nortrup, Amy (Scott) Froehlich; Sisters in law, Diane (Duke) Maurer, Margaret (Edward) Vargas, Amy (Bob) Siesennop, Kate (Donnie) Jopson, Kristine (Joel) Haffely, Nancy (Michael) Thompson; grandchildren, Peter Conan and Keira Gust, Braden and Kelan Berntsen, numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces/ nephews, as well as his hunting partners and close cousins Greg Gust and Mel Tasker.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Friendship, WI on Thursday, December 14 at 12:00. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 until the time of the service, a luncheon will follow mass at Moundview Golf and Country Club.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Adams County Food Pantry.
My heartfelt condolences for the whole Gust clan. I am truly sorry that we lost touch so many years ago, but you never left my thoughts. You were my good friend, teammate and confidant. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
No words can express how much he was loved. We can only cherish the memories and blessings. Thinking of you all Elizabeth Thor and Matthew…I will be sending a gift to the food pantry to honor Pete’s wishes. See you soon Elizabeth 😍
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Gust family.
Our sincere condolences to the entire Gust family. We were shocked by his sudden death. All of the members who participated in our Organization to Stop Union Busting (OSUB) meetings enjoyed Pete’s comments and humor. He will be greatly missed.
Thoughts and prayers to you Elizabeth. Pete will be missed. He did a lot for educational support.
So sorry for your loss, Elizabeth, Thor and Matthew. Prayers to all of you. Mary, Phil and Kamrath family ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to the family.
Coach Gust had a big influence on my life, like many other young student athletes. I am thankful for the fond memories of playing football for him at Regis High School in the ’80s, and the pursuit of excellence and zeal for life that he instilled in me.
My condolences to Elizabeth and to Pete’s family. He was a gifted teacher who fought for the profession, working side by side with his colleagues to make it better. I remember serving on DPI committees and in many union meetings with Pete. He will be missed.
Sorry to hear about Pete. My condolences to the Gust family. As a teacher and counselor, I enjoyed many conversations with Pete in regards to teaching methods for high school students. His willingness to try new ideas in the classroom was something I admired.
Elizabeth and family,
We are saddened to hear about the loss of Pete, sending you heartfelt condolences and prayers.
Harold & Tina McElroy
So sorry to learn this. He was a big supporter of education and his recent work on promoting the importance of local schools was appreciated.
Peter was a great supporter of the Adams-Friendship Athletic Department! His contribution will be missed!
God Bless his family in this time of grief!
So very sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. Always a pleasure to see Pete when he visited Ham Lake. Always good conversation, he always had so much energy and always met you with a big smile. He didn’t live here but I always thought of him as a Ham Laker. Rest in peace our Ham Lake friend
So sorry to hear this Elizabeth. We were just getting to know Pete. David and I are thinking about you and the family and pray you find healing with your family and friends by your side.
We will make a donation to the food pantry in his honor.
So very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed my conversations with Peter, admired is woodworking skills and his eye for beauty in the people and the world around him. Hugs to all. Find peace in all the memories.
🙏🙏🙏🙏 so sorry for your loss.
My heart aches for you. I wish I could take your pain away. Joe + Judy Roth
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to the entire Gust family.
Pete was a positive influence in any situation where he was present. He was filled with ideas and the energy to explore them. I enjoyed working with him on various union committees. Our condolences to you and your family, Elizabeth. Pete will remain in our memories.
Pete will be greatly missed by those who knew him and worked with him. As well as being a high-quality educator, he became a strong and excellent representative of those in the teaching profession, when he moved into teacher union advocacy. His passing leaves a major void among those who represent teachers and educational support staff. John Matthews
I’m so sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you Elizabeth and family.
Condolences to the families.
He had a great twinkle in his eye.
From a WEAC colleague.
Doug Lueck
Sincere condolences to you Elizabeth & your family. God Bless you in keeping Pete’s memory alive.
Sincere condolences to you Elizabeth & your family. God Bless you in keeping Pete’s memory alive.
Rita & Phil Bortz
Our thoughts and prayers are with Elizabeth and her family, we all will miss Pete.
I’m so sorry to hear about the death of Pete. He was a friend and colleague. My condolences to Elizabeth and all the members of the Gust family.
My prayers and condolences to the entire Gust family. May Peter Rest in Peace.
So sorry for you loss Elizabeth. Prayers go out to you and your family. Patrick
So sorry for your loss.
Thoughts and prayers to the family. Pete was a positive force in educational issues. He was enjoying his retirement years.
Very sorry to see that Pete Gust passed away, sincere condolences to his friends and family!