RUSSELL HAROLD GUSTAFSON 1912 - 1983

GUSTAFSON, NELSON, SICO, HOAGLAND

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Date: 5/4/2024 at 18:39:21

Russell Harold Gustafson was born August 8, 1912, on the homestead four and one-half miles north of Kiron, the tenth child of John and Emma Carlson Gustafson. He received his education in the Wheeler Township #4 rural school.

Following his early employment with John Baker and Arvid Hildeen, he was united in marriage with Ellen Nelson of December 11, 1937. Russell and Ellen moved to the Guy Eckman farm in January of 1943, where they farmed until his retirement in 1978. Russell enjoyed his farming and usually was first to the field in the spring and fall in spite of the asthma which plagued his health for the past forty years.

Russell received Christ as his Savior and gave testimony to that decision when he was baptized at the age of 13 and then joined the Arthur Baptist Church. After his marriage he joined the Evangelical Free Church in Kiron where he was active in the work, being chairman of the church for many years before it closed in 1978. He transferred his membership to the Evangelical Free Church of Arthur in 1980. Russell also served on the board of K.E.L.M. Retirement Apartments in Kiron.

Following numerous hospitalizations, Russell entered the Denison Care Center on December 21, 1982, where he entered into the Lord's care on September 19, 1983.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and three brothers in infancy; four other brothers, Elmer, Vernie, Elving and Arvid; and his wife Ellen, who passed away in June of 1981.

His survivors include one daughter, Mari Sico of Elgin, IF; one son, James Gustafson of Kiron; four grandchildren; one sister, Mildred Hoaglund of San Leandro, CA; and two brothers, Richard Gustafson of Kiron and Sidney Gustafson of Grinnell. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 22, 1983, at the Evangelical Free Church in Arthur, with the Rev. Robert Lundberg officiating. Comfort in music was provided by Wayne Lindskoog as soloist and Mrs. Ferne Wilson as organist. The congregation sang one hymn at the end of the service.

Casket bearers included Bill Carlson, Howard Anderson, Arthur Anderson, Clifford Hanson, Jim Lundell, and Dennis Lindskoog. Burial was in the Kiron Cemetery at Kiron. The Pfannebecker-Maxwell Funeral Home in Denison was in charge of the arrangements.

September 29, 1983 Odebolt Chronicle
From Glenn Gustafson