Gustavo Estrada

Gustavo Adolfo Estrada
July 29, 1962 to October 15, 2022

Gustavo Adolfo Estrada, age 60, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2022, surrounded by his wife, Michelle, and his five children: Tavo, Alee, Lucas, Nikko, and Nando. Gustavo loved them with his whole heart and soul. There was nothing he would rather do than spend time with family. His immediate family, his extended family, his friends he adopted as family, and the family he and Michelle created. They were his main hobby, his first choice for friends, and the focus of his life. Friendships came easily and he loved everyone fiercely.

The family gathered in the kitchen daily as Gustavo cooked dinner. Cooking was a manifestation of his love, and he served up daily affirmations of love through his words and big hugs, along with flavorful food. Good food pairs with good conversation, so along with lots of jokes and laughter, Gustavo shared his faith in Christ, and his gratitude for God’s plan for his children, and taught his family how to live Christ’s gospel.

Gustavo’s love of family took root in the family who raised him. He was so close to his mother and remembered fondly the one-on-one time he would spend with his father. His sisters, Lillian Castillo (Dave Caserza) and Evelyn Brokaw took care of their baby brother and showered him with attention. The siblings drew close as the family moved back and forth between Guatemala, Chicago, Illinois; and California. They always had each other even if their location changed. Gustavo is preceded in death by his mother, Julia Leticia Estrada, and his father, Jose Maria Estrada.

Gustavo had a deep love for Guatemala and his extended family there. He also found a culinary connection with his home in Gilroy, CA, the garlic capital of the world. To a man who always said, “I add garlic to my garlic”, Gilroy was an anchor that brought him back to spend time with his family. He is a favorite uncle to Lisa Jammal, PJ (Ciera) Jammal, Emelie (Joe) Hulse, Stephanie Castillo, Rachele Caserza (Matt Kamen), and Dennis Caserza (Victoria Wilson). He often called everyone together with a hearty Tarzan yell or aligned them like soldiers at boot camp.

Gustavo entered the United States Marine Corps at age 18 and served for 5 years. He attained the rank of Sergeant and had lifelong respect for and commitment to his brothers-in-arms. He loved serving in the Marines. “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” He connected with others who had served, and Semper Fidelis is the mantra he lived; God, Country, Corps.

Gustavo received a Bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University and a Master’s in Sociology from Brigham Young University. He worked for Utah Valley University International Department and then started his own company hosting exchange students for education and cultural programs. He changed careers when he moved to Denver to manage outsourced inside sales for Hewlett-Packard via MarketStar. In 2001, he found his life passion working for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He worked for LDS Employment Services and then took a brief position working for his best friend, Christopher Robbins, at Gibbs Smith Publishing. Gustavo then returned to work for Humanitarian Services as a Manager of Community Projects with LDS Charities. He found joy in service to others and in assisting those in need to access resources and help. This is the work that brought him joy and made every day fulfilling.

We express gratitude for the care provided through the Intermountain Transplant Services in Murray, Utah. The doctors and support team worked hard to help Gustavo fight the debilitating effects of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which is a silent disease with few or no symptoms until it is close to becoming cirrhosis. As a side effect of cirrhosis, Gustavo struggled with encephalopathy which robbed him of his mental clarity. Despite that, Gustavo remained positive and optimistic, two of his greatest characteristics. We encourage all to be screened for this disease and consider donating your organs which can help save the lives of many.

We miss Gustavo’s resounding laugh, his embracing hugs, and the constant banter that helped you feel loved and part of the fun. Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Gustavo’s beautiful life.

Viewing:
Wednesday, October 19, 2022 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home
1007 S Jordan Pkwy
South Jordan, UT 84095

Funeral Services:
Thursday, October 20, 2022 @ 11:00 am
Midas Creek Stake Center
10860 South 3200 West
South Jordan UT 84095

Servicios en español: https://youtu.be/HqYkLSWJqVQ

Services in English:
Click on the play icon above.

Interment:
South Jordan City Cemetery 1:00 pm
10650 S. 1055 W.
South Jordan, UT 84095

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Humanitarian Aid Fund which provides relief throughout the world. Gustavo loved his work immensely and loved the friends he made around the world who were united in providing relief.

Please use the link below to donate.