Donald Gustafson

Donald Ernest Gustafson was born April 14, 1928, in Little Falls, Minnesota, to the late Hjalmer and Ruth (Nordholm) Gustafson. He spent much of his life in Minnesota. He learned the bricklaying trade from his father. He was blessed with one sister, Marjorie Annette, when he was 18 years old. He entered the Armed Services and served in the Korean War. He married Sherry Oscelia Lintner Abrahamson on Dec. 26, 1955 and remained married to her until her passing on Dec 5, 1993. Together, they raised five children who remain grateful for his gentle hand, wise counsel, love for learning, undying optimism and incredible patience. Donald worked in the block and bricklaying business until 1966 when he learned the floor covering business and began a partnership with Harold Johnson, establishing Gustafson - Johnson Floor Covering. The family business eventually expanded to include furniture. Camping, snowmobiling, waterskiing, fishing, hunting, and square dancing were just a few of his hobbies. He had an enormous appetite for lifelong learning. He received his pilot’s license and was a member of the Little Falls Flying Club. Donald was a lifetime member of the Little Falls VFW Post #1112. He was active in the Little Falls Kiwanis Club. He was township clerk for Little Falls Township for many years. He participated in many church committees and loved being part of the choirs, both at Bethel Lutheran Church in Little Falls and in Harlingen, Texas. An active man who loved to use his hands, he was disappointed by the rheumatoid arthritis that limited the use of his hands, yet, he never complained about the disease. He just invented ways to get around it. Donald is survived by his children, Sheryl (Mike) Brink, Little Falls, MN, Scott Abrahamson, Little Falls, MN, Steven (Barb) Gustafson, Herman, MN, Sheryce (Dan) Cook, Sioux Falls, SD, and Sonja Palm, Pequot Lakes, MN; sister, Marjorie (Steve) Kaiser, Aberdeen, SD; eleven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and very special friend, Dorothy Stribling with whom he shared his last years. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sherry, and one grandson, Caleb Abrahamson.

Tributes

Donald Gustafson

April 14, 1928 - March 26, 2011