Gustav Blumenberg
Rockbridge | Save
Gustav “Gus” Blumenberg, 81, died Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Saint Louis University Hospital.
He was born on April 26, 1945, in Hamburg, Illinois to the late Albert and Alvina (Meyer) Blumenberg.
Gus proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam War, an experience that remained an important part of who he was throughout his life.
He married the former Virginia Jackson on August 29, 1970, at Rockbridge United Methodist Church. Together, they built a life centered around family, friends and simply enjoying one another’s company. They especially enjoyed spending time outdoors, camping and making their annual trips to the Current River, where countless memories were made over the years with family and friends. Virginia preceded him in death on June 8, 2010, after nearly 40 years of marriage.
Gus worked for many years as a conductor with Amtrak, retiring in 2005. Retirement gave him more time for the things, and the people, that brought him happiness.
Anyone who knew Gus knew there was rarely a dull moment when he was around. He was the comedian of the family, always ready with a joke, a story or something to get everyone laughing. At parties and wedding receptions, Gus could often be found on the dance floor, and those who were lucky enough to witness his famous rendition of “the worm” were not likely to forget it.
He also had a well-known sweet tooth, and his “sweet drawer” at home was kept properly stocked with the essentials: chocolate chip cookies, Ding Dongs and apple pies. A meal at Golden Corral with family or friends was another simple pleasure he thoroughly enjoyed. For Gus, it was rarely about where he was or what he was doing, but rather the people he was able to share it with.
In more recent years, one of Gus’s most constant companions was his loyal Yorkie, Gracie. Whether curled up on his lap or faithfully stationed by his side, Gracie was his best friend and seldom far from him.
Above all, Gus loved his family. His life was filled with the joy of watching it grow through the generations, and the laughter, stories and memories he leaves behind will continue through his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Surviving are his children, Tammy (Pat) McAdams of Carrollton, Kevin Gress of Hamburg and Wendy Rives of Jerseyville; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; a sister, Joyce Blumenberg of Kampsville; a brother and sister-in-law, Lindell and Holly Blumenberg of Haypress; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Virginia, he was preceded in death by a son, Terry Blumenberg, on March 12, 2020; two brothers, Gerald and Mickey Blumenberg; two sisters, Sandra Howard and Peggy Ash; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Keith and Grace Jackson.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, August 17, 2026, at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Tuesday, August 18 with Cody Vinyard officiating.
Burial will follow at Kane Cemetery, where the Tri County Honor Guard will conduct full military honors in recognition of Gus’s honorable service to his country.
Memorials may be given to the Tri County Honor Guard.
Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.
Crawford Funeral Home
