Gustafson, John Rune (1925-2012)
GUSTAFSON, JOHNSON, JENSEN, PETERSEN, BRAKE, BITTNER, REILING, LANGNER
Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 4/25/2012 at 12:29:26
John R. Gustafson
March 9, 1925 - April 17, 2012John Rune Gustafson was born March 9, 1925, at Aurelia, Iowa, the son of August and Augusta (Johnson) Gustafson. Baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alta, Iowa, he attended Aurelia High School and enjoyed participating in football. Growing up on the family farm, he acquired his work ethic and love of the land. Having voluntarily enlisted in the army in 1951, he served in the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1953.
On September 22, 1952, Rune married Shirley Jensen, daughter of Anton and Myrtle Jensen, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alta. Their union was blessed with three children, Runae, Linda, and David.
Rune and Shirley lived and farmed south of Aurelia. He raised livestock including cattle, hogs and turkeys. A lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran, he served on the church board. A big Vikings and Twins fan, he also enjoyed fishing, spending time with his grandchildren, listening to polka music, playing cards, woodworking, and practicing the organ in his spare time. He had just celebrated his 87th birthday and would have had his 60th wedding anniversary on September 22, 2012. Having semi-retired in 1984, he moved to Alta where he enjoyed town life, his trees, and flowers. Proud of his Swedish heritage, he liked speaking in Swedish with his brothers and also by phone with his many cousins still living in Sweden. He felt fortunate to have been able to re-visit Sweden in 1989 with Shirley to spend time with his relatives there.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Bert; a sister, Gladys; and a grandson, Joshua Petersen.
Rune’s life will always be celebrated and honored by his family which includes his wife, Shirley, of Alta; two daughters, Runae Brake, and her husband, Ervin, of Alta, and Linda Petersen, and her husband, Rodney, of Alta; one son, David Gustafson, and his wife, Audrey, of Aurelia; eight grandchildren, Alicia (Michael) Bittner, Kristine Brake, Melissa (Brian) Reiling, Becky (Jeremy) Langner, Tonya Petersen, Neil Gustafson (fiancée Nichole Prunty), Tyler Gustafson, and Keith Gustafson; seven great-grandchildren, Nathan and Brooke Reiling, Erika, Brett, and Brendon Petersen, and Matthew and Cole Langner; a brother, Stewart Gustafson, of Alta; and a brother-in-law, Gordon Jensen, and his wife, Nita, of Oakhurst, California; as well as many other extended family members and friends.
Copyright © 2012, Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Homes
Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Homes
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