Philip Gustafson

On June 18, 2024, at the age of 74, Philip Vernon Gustafson DVM entered the home Jesus had prepared for him. As family reminisced, enjoyed Chuck’s pizza (his favorite), and raised their glasses to toast this well-loved man, Alzheimer’s finally relinquished its cruel hold on him.

We mourn, yet celebrate the life of a loving, faithful husband, father, and friend. Phil was gifted to us by his parents, Emery and Ruth (Turbett) Gustafson, on June 7, 1950. Having gone before him, they now welcome him home.

Missing him every moment are his wife, Susan; his daughters, Anneke Gustafson (Jeff McFadden) and Elise Free (boyfriend, Anthony Udrovich); granddaughter, Quinn Free; his siblings, Todd (Helen) Gustafson and Jean Dannelly (Chris McKeon); his in-laws, Stephen Johnson, Bonnie and Richard McCaughey, Jodie and David Brown, and Laurie and Martin Hazelwood; his nieces and nephews; and many dear friends, especially his “brother from another mother”, Dr. Lee Holmes.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” -Proverbs 3:5-6 This was Phil’s favorite Bible verse. His life’s path began in his Swedish Des Moines neighborhood (Snusville) where he attended Cattell Elementary, Harding Jr. High, and North High graduating in 1968. His educational path continued to Ames, IA where he pursued his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, graduating in 1974 from ISU.

Phil and Sue met when their paths crossed, literally, their first day at Iowa State while walking up the sidewalk to the Armory for an orientation meeting. Not love at first sight, but eventually they walked down the “path” in Sue’s front yard on her family farm where they said their “I dos” and began their life together. Their first home was in the infamous Pammel Court (Quonset style married student housing) at ISU where Phil worked part-time as a UMC Sheriff and developed a love of law enforcement. (“Cops” was always one of his favorite TV shows.) After graduation Phil practiced one year in Miami, FL where daughter, Anneke was born. Returning to Des Moines he worked for four years at Briley Animal Hospital, during which time they welcomed their daughter, Elise. In 1979 Phil opened Southview Animal Clinic on Des Moines’ southside and where he gently and lovingly cared for his client-friends (two legged, four legged, and occasionally three legged!) until he reluctantly retired in 2018. He was honored and blessed to be their Dr. Phil!

When Dr. Phil wasn’t saving pets, you might find him at an Iowa Cubs game, enjoying an Iowa State game, biking with his Bow Wow Hot bike club, at his Tuesday night Izaak Walton League meeting where he was a past president, or putting his Master Gardener skills to use in his garden. Phil loved his veterinary colleagues and was active in the Iowa Veterinary Medical Assoc. and was also a founding member of the Animal Emergency Clinic. He served several years on the Blank Park Zoo Board and supported North High School. He was a former member of Windsor Presbyterian Church until he was led to New Heights Church where he most recently worshipped and served.

One of Phil and Sue’s favorite social activities was belonging to their Gourmet Club for 35 plus years where treasured friends were made. His culinary skills continued with his wonderful smoked salmon, great chili, Tom Yum Soup, and Daddy’s Special Bread.

He never wanted anyone to know, but he was a pretty decent accordion player. He also enjoyed photography, writing, hunting, fishing, golf, and eating ice cream. As his Alzheimer’s disease progressed, going for ice cream was one adventure he could still enjoy.

His daughters remember a father who spent time with them, going to the zoo, fishing, biking, accompanying him to the clinic for night checks, telling wonderful bedtime stories, helping with algebra, and always taking care of their pets who all lived beyond their life expectancies.

Phil didn’t have a life full of medals and trophies, but his family and friends were his treasures. He had a life full of love, both given and received, and that shines brighter than any medal or trophy!

To honor his life, a visitation will be held at Hamilton’s Southtown, 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, on Sunday, July 14, 2024 from 2:00-4:00pm. The memorial service will be Monday, July 15, 2024 at 2:00pm at New Heights Church, 3000 SE 9th Street, Des Moines, where friends and family are invited to share their memories of Phil. Following the service, all are welcome to enjoy an ice cream sundae in his honor.

His family wishes to extend their thanks to Dr. Jay Rosenberger and his nurse, Jennifer; and to Dr. Lynn Rankin for their compassionate care, especially through these last few years. Thanks also to the staff at Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Specialty Care Center who lovingly cared for Phil the final 2 ½ months of his life. We are grateful also for the care team of Gentiva Hospice who added to making him feel special and more comfortable. And finally, we thank the staff at the Dahl Adult Day Center where he loved to go a couple days a week. He would often say when I picked him up, “Those people are so nice!”

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to New Heights Church, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Iowa, or to any pet rescue organization of one’s choosing.

Note: Phil and Sue moved from their acreage in December 2023 so please direct cards to Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50313, if the new address is not known.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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