Duane E. Gustafson, 80, Newfolden, MN, died Sunday July 8, 2018 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND

Funeral service will be 3 PM, Saturday July 14, 2018 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Cathie Rhodes officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral at Johnson Funeral Service.  Burial will follow at Spruce Valley Cemetery near Middle River, MN.

Duane Ervin Gustafson was born on September 13, 1937 in Ross, MN the son of Alfred and Emma (Nelson) Gustafson.  He was baptized into the Lutheran faith and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Newfolden, MN.  He attended school in Newfolden and graduated with the class of 1955.

On February 14, 1959, Duane was united in marriage to Sharon Peterson at her parent's home in Middle River, MN.  To this union two daughters were born, Keli and Paula.  They made their home in Newfolden.

Duane worked with his father, Alfred doing plumbing and heating work for a short time.  On January 19, 1965, Duane joined the Local #300 Union and on January 19, 2015 he became a 50 year member of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada.  Most of his work was done on the missile silos in North Dakota and power plants in Illinois.

He enjoyed traveling, playing accordion & guitar, fishing, dancing in his younger years, flying, dozing & clearing farm land, working on cars and fixing things for his daughters and granddaughter.  If there was a way to fix it, Duane would fix it.  He did welding for neighbors and friends, made beautiful belt buckles, a wood stove, and stainless steel rings.

After moving to the family farm in West Valley Township, northwest of Newfolden, Duane very much enjoyed the peace and tranquility there.

Duane was a member of the Eagle's Club in Thief River Falls.

Survivors include his loving daughters, Keli Gustafson of Newfolden, MN and Paula Gustafson; loving granddaughter, Courtney (Tyler) Gloe and their children, Eliza, Jozie & Aubree all of Grand Forks, ND; sister, Audrey Miller; nephew, Lorrin Leader both of Thief River Falls, MN; and many other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Delores Kahl; and an infant nephew.