Donald Gustafson

Donald Raymond Gustafson, 81, of Akeley, Minn, formerly of Red Wing, died Wednesday, June 14, at Lake City Nursing Home. He was born October 8, 1925, in Akeley, Minn, to Emil and Lilly (Lystad) Gustafson and graduated from Akeley High School in 1943. In November of 1943 he married Georgia N. Norwood in Akeley. In 1947 they moved to Red Wing where he and his brother Dwight started Red Wing Service Co. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in World War II and was later recalled for the Korean War, and was discharged in 1952. Georgia died August 31, 1999. Donald lived in Red Wing until his retirement in 2001, and then relocated to Akeley where he owned and operated Don?s Tree Farm. He was a member of the Exchange Club of Red Wing; Red Wing VFW Burnson Lillyblad #1218, where he served as Post Commander for two years and as a color bearer for Red Wing VFW Memorial Day services; and he sang in the 1st Presbyterian Church Choir, where he was a member. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church in Akeley and had helped with the construction of it?s new church. He is survived by his son, Lynn (Helen) Gustafson of Red Wing; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Robert (Audrey) of Madison, AL and John (Helen), of Des Moines; and three sisters, Mary Barker of New Hope, MN, Dagmar Merrick, of Raymer, MO and Lillian (Jim) Mitchell of Hollister, MO. He was preceded in death by his wife and two brothers Dwight and Gordon. Funeral service will be 1 P.M. Sunday, July 18 at First United Methodist Church in Akeley, Minn, with Reverend Gary Walpole presiding. Burial will be at the Akeley Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chris Gustafson, Kurt Brueschke, Steve Lancman, Greg Norwood, Frank Lamb and Dwight Gustafson, Jr.. Visitation will be 6-8 P.M. Friday at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel with a service at 8 p.m. conducted by Reverend James Mitchell.