Raymond Kenneth (Gus) Gustafson

Raymond Kenneth Gustafson (Gus) of Crystal, formerly of the Dassel area, passed away comfortably on Friday, February 5th, 2021 at age 93, holding the hands of his children, Annie, Bobby and Jeannie. We love you Papa! Raymond was born on October 24th, 1927 in Dassel, Minnesota to Oscar and Myrtle (Wennerstrom) Gustafson. Raymond was proud of his Swedish Heritage. He was stoic, responsible and a hard worker. His role as a family anchor developed as a young boy when he helped his family with chores on the farm. He remained close to his older brother and his five younger sisters his entire life. At age 17, Raymond moved with his family to Minneapolis and began his 45-year career for Burlington (Great) Northern Railroad, first, outside as a Stevedore, then as a Foreman and finally he happily worked his way “inside” as a Car Orderer. His career was interrupted once to serve in the United States Army where he learned auto mechanics, marching, and shooting. In retirement, Raymond enjoyed fishing, hunting (pheasant and deer), watching sports (especially the Lynx, Gophers basketball, the Vikings, the Twins or any sport his family participated in), fixing his house or car, caring for his Grandchildren and playing Bingo. He knew everything that was happening by keeping in daily contact with his five sisters and family. He relished in finding a good bargain. He took immense pride in maintaining his independence. Raymond will be greatly missed by his children, Ann May (Scott Booth), Bob Gustafson, Jean Reed; 6 grandchildren, Nathan and Elizabeth May, Caleb and Ellen Gustafson (Nick Geier), Nora and Clara Reed; siblings, Harold Gustafson (ElVera), Shirley Peterson, Diane Toner (Don); Brother-in-law, Ron Sanford; and by many nieces, nephews, friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Myrtle Gustafson; his sisters, Marian Stevens, Delores Sanford and Marlys Iliff; and Brother-in-laws, Merton Iliff and Harold Peterson. A private family funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home in Dassel with the Rev. Keith Carlson officiating. There will be a one-hour visitation prior to the service at the Johnson Funeral Home in Dassel. (For those who wish to attend the visitation or will be attending the service, mask and social distancing will be required.) Interment will be held at the Lake Arvilla Cemetery in rural Dassel at a later date.

Raymond Kenneth (Gus) Gustafson

October 24, 1927 - February 5, 2021