1921
Robert
2008
Robert Gustafson
October 1, 1921 — December 22, 2008
Robert L. Gustafson the son of Albert and Lydia (Erickson) Gustafson was born October 1, 1921 in Graceville, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed in the Elim Church at Clinton. He attended the public school in Clinton, graduating from high school in 1939, after which he attended NYA School in Glenwood, Minnesota learning about sheet metal work.
He was employed at the Bremerton Ship Yards until he entered the Navy on August 11, 1942. He took his basic training at Great Lakes, then attended Machinist Mate School, Advanced Torpedo and Fire Control School. The majority of his tour of duty included 18 months at a Torpedo Base in Brisebane, Australia He was discharged on October 23, 1945.
On August 26, 1944 he was united in marriage to Marie Nelson, daughter of Nels and Mary Nelson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton.
After his discharge he worked as a plumber in Minneapolis, Milbank and Clinton. In 1952 he took over the Standard Oil Agency in Clinton until retiring in 1977. He was known as the “Tootsie Roll Man” as he gave tootsie rolls to the children of customers.
After retiring he and Marie traveled with their RV over the majority of the states and resided in winter months in Texas and Arizona.
When he could no longer travel, he became interested in wood working, scrolling many lovely things. He loved to make “welcome” signs (over 100) to give to friends all over the country.
Bob had three sons, Lee, Todd, and Kent. Todd died at the age of 11 ½ years – a tragic loss.
Bob was a member of the church council at Elim, the Clinton volunteer fire department, the Masonic Lodge, the American Legion, and VFW and the centennial committee.
Bob was a very sociable man and loved having coffee with friends. He treasured his family, being kind and compassionate.
Bob passed away Monday, December 22 at the Grace Home in Graceville, Minnesota; he lived to reach the age of 87 years. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Marie of 64 years; son Lee (Diane) of High Rolls, New Mexico; Kent (Becky) of Bero, Florida; grandson, Eric Gustafson of Ft. Worth; brother Charles of Ojai, California; sister, Isabel Wolner of Ortonville; and eleven nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lydia and Albert Gustafson; step-dad, Alfred Hammerberg; son Todd Albert; brother-in-law Clifford Wolner and sister-in-law, Polly Gustafson.
The Larson Funeral Home of Clinton is in charge of the arrangements. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.larsonfuneral.com.
He was employed at the Bremerton Ship Yards until he entered the Navy on August 11, 1942. He took his basic training at Great Lakes, then attended Machinist Mate School, Advanced Torpedo and Fire Control School. The majority of his tour of duty included 18 months at a Torpedo Base in Brisebane, Australia He was discharged on October 23, 1945.
On August 26, 1944 he was united in marriage to Marie Nelson, daughter of Nels and Mary Nelson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton.
After his discharge he worked as a plumber in Minneapolis, Milbank and Clinton. In 1952 he took over the Standard Oil Agency in Clinton until retiring in 1977. He was known as the “Tootsie Roll Man” as he gave tootsie rolls to the children of customers.
After retiring he and Marie traveled with their RV over the majority of the states and resided in winter months in Texas and Arizona.
When he could no longer travel, he became interested in wood working, scrolling many lovely things. He loved to make “welcome” signs (over 100) to give to friends all over the country.
Bob had three sons, Lee, Todd, and Kent. Todd died at the age of 11 ½ years – a tragic loss.
Bob was a member of the church council at Elim, the Clinton volunteer fire department, the Masonic Lodge, the American Legion, and VFW and the centennial committee.
Bob was a very sociable man and loved having coffee with friends. He treasured his family, being kind and compassionate.
Bob passed away Monday, December 22 at the Grace Home in Graceville, Minnesota; he lived to reach the age of 87 years. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Marie of 64 years; son Lee (Diane) of High Rolls, New Mexico; Kent (Becky) of Bero, Florida; grandson, Eric Gustafson of Ft. Worth; brother Charles of Ojai, California; sister, Isabel Wolner of Ortonville; and eleven nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lydia and Albert Gustafson; step-dad, Alfred Hammerberg; son Todd Albert; brother-in-law Clifford Wolner and sister-in-law, Polly Gustafson.
The Larson Funeral Home of Clinton is in charge of the arrangements. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.larsonfuneral.com.