Don Franklin Gustofson (1932-2012)

GUSTOFSON, SANDELL, HOEMANN, PIRKO

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 9/15/2012 at 21:43:03

From Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care obituary, Ames, Story County, Iowa:

Don F. Gustofson
February 29, 1932- September 3, 2012

Don Franklin Gustofson, long-time resident of Ames, died at Green Hills Care Center on September 3, 2012. A memorial service will be held at First Christian Church of Ames, Iowa on Thursday, September 6 at 10:30am.

Don Gustofson was born in Hampton, Iowa on February 29, 1932. He was a 1950 graduate of Boone High School and worked his way through college selling shoes at Emerhoff's Footwear in Ames graduating with a degree in science from Iowa State College in 1955. He began his career as a high school chemistry and physics teacher in Milford Township and Nevada for four years.

He worked for Iowa State University for many years in the areas of admissions, achievement fund, director of alumni affairs and director of development. He also served as director of development for Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana and in various fundraising and consulting capacities in the areas of environmental conservation and healthcare. He was an innovator in developing retirement communities on college campuses, including Green Hills of Ames.

Don was well loved by his family and married Patricia Hope Sandell on January 1, 1955. They were married for 57 years and have four children, twelve grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Surviving children include a daughter, Deborah (William) Hoemann of Harrah, Oklahoma; Two sons, Scott Gustofson of Kelley, Iowa, and Grant (Mary) Gustofson of Boone, Iowa and a daughter, Kirsten (Kevin) Pirko of South Riding, Virginia. Grandchildren include Matthew, Nicolas and Meghann Hoemann of Oklahoma; Scott, Jacob, Jarred, Jordan, Sarah and Brenton Gustofson of Boone, Iowa; and Andrew, Daniel and Case Pirko of South Riding, Virginia. Great grandchildren include Alaysia, Amara and Aylah Hoemann of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He is survived by one sister-in-law, seven nieces and nephews and their spouses and children.

Don was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman who enjoyed raising bird dogs, hunting, fly-fishing, skiing, gardening and bird watching. He was a ham radio operator (WOTFM) for many years obtaining his license at age 12.

Gustofson was a member of The Order of the Knoll for many years. He was actively involved with the Story County Conservation board, serving as director from 1996-2000. He was recently involved with Iowa Interfaith Power and Light. He volunteered his time and talents for many other community and non-profit organizations and was a longtime member of First Christian Church of Ames, Iowa. Memorial contributions may be made to either First Christian Church or the Story County Conservation Board.

On line condolences may be sent to: wwwgrandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.

http://www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com/
 

Story Obituaries maintained by Mark Christian.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen