Private Family Service
Mount Olivet Lutheran Church-
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5025 Knox Avenue South
Minneapolis,
Raymond R. Gustafson
June 27, 1926 — May 30, 2020
Raymond R. Gustafson
Raymond Richard Gustafson, 93, died peacefully May 30, 2020, at his residence in St Louis Park, MN. His death was from natural causes made much worse by a Covid 19 positive test result.
Ray was born in Nashwauk, MN, on June 27, 1926, to George and Mabel Gustafson. He graduated from Nashwauk High School in 1944 and enlisted in the Navy where he served on the USS Pitt in the Pacific Theater. He graduated from the Florida School of Art and moved back to MN. He married Marilyn Newton on August 29, 1952. Ray had a career in Graphic Arts and worked as a manager at North Central Airlines/Republic Airlines/Northwest Airlines. One of his hobbies was painting with watercolors. His beautiful paintings are hung with pride in their apartment as well as in his childrens’ homes. Ray was an avid bowler and bowled on two leagues for many years accumulating many trophies. He was very active in both the VFW and American Legion and supported many veteran organizations. Ray and Marilyn had a wonderful life together during their almost 68 years of marriage. They traveled all over America, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as a trip to Paris and many trips to Mexico. He loved attending his USS Pitt reunions that always involved a trip and once a cruise. Their home base was their home in Edina, MN. Ray and Marilyn enjoyed many lovely days during 40 summers at their cabin near Big Lake, MN, where he loved to fish and boat, tinker in his shed, and visit with the neighbors. He used to say being there was Paradise. Each morning he raked the beach so there was never a weed or twig . He took great pride in his beach. They spent 30 winters at their trailer home in Donna, TX. Ray and Marilyn made the most of social activities there including dancing, dining out, playing card and other games, entertaining both large and small groups, and trips to Mexican border towns. Ray was a dedicated collector of MANY things including beer trays, vintage farm tools, antique fishing tackle, and so much more. Never could he drive by a garage or estate sale or flea market without stopping. His most prized collection was political buttons. He had a frame for buttons from each presidential election since President Roosevelt. Ray enjoyed his kids, loved his grandkids, and adored his great grandkids. When the little ones stopped by for a visit, his eyes lit up! And they loved him right back. Ray always kept a roll of half dollars and the kids lined up to receive their shiny coin. Ray was a member of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church for over 65 years.
Raymond is survived by his dear wife Marilyn, sister-in-law Armenia Gustafson, daughters Joan Fenton, St Louis Park MN, and Janice Paige (Don Wagner), Brandon MN, and his son James (Miah) Gustafson, Arlington TX; grandchildren Kimberly Fenton (Scott Dritz), Vincent (Graciela) Fenton, Deborah Fenton (Jon Hennessy), and Stacy (Charles) Wagner; and great grandchildren Sean, Octavio, Santiago, Bethany, Maxwell, Isabelle, and a great granddaughter on the way, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ernest (Penny) and Norman Gustafson and sister Gladys (Wally) Williams, son-in-law Richard Paige.
Special thanks to the caring staff at TowerLight (there are too many wonderful people to name), and to the Fairview Hospice team.
Private Family Funeral Wednesday, July 29th at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. Burial with military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to the Alzheimer's Association, 7900 W 78th St, Edina, MN 55439.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Raymond R. Gustafson, please visit our flower store.
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