Russell Gufty Gustafson, 76, died Wednesday, April 13, 2005 at Hillcrest Nursing Home, Red Lake Falls, MN.

Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, April 16, 2005, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Plummer, MN with Pastor Gwenn Bazajou officiating. Burial will be at the Community Cemetery, St. Hilaire, MN.

Visitation will be 5 " 8 PM, Friday, April 15, 2005 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Plummer, MN, with a 7 PM prayer service and for one hour prior to services on Saturday.

Russell Arthur Gustafson was born March 23, 1929, at Saskatchewan, Canada, the son of Carl and Agnes (Swanson) Gustafson. He was baptized October 30, 1930 and on September 27, 1942, he was confirmed at Evangelical Mission Covenant Church, St. Hilaire, MN. He grew up and attended school at Plummer, MN. He worked construction before his marriage.

On November 7, 1953, Russell was united in marriage to Frances Ueland at Evangelical Mission Covenant Church, St. Hilaire. The couple bought Russells uncle Art Swansons farm in 1955. Russell continued construction work and the couple farmed, raising a variety of animals and then went into dairy farming until 1984. Russell also worked construction on the Plummer school. He worked for various farmers and for Zimpel Construction. He retired, enjoyed traveling and also worked as a camp host in Utah for 6 years.

Russell was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Plummer and served on the church building committee. He was a charter member of Plummer Lions Club. He enjoyed visiting, woodworking, water-skiing, dancing, bicycling, chasing cows and traveling. He loved chocolate cake and especially his family and friends.

Survived by children, Rick (special friend, Janice), Bottineau, ND, Cathy (John) Zimpel, Plummer, MN, Kyle (Lynette), Greenbush, MN and Jodi (Nate) Anderson, Thief River Falls, MN; grandchildren, Derek and Jessica Gustafson, Philip and Kelley Zimpel, Jake and Travis Gustafson and Natalie Anderson; mother of his children, Frances Skadsem, Thief River Falls, MN; brothers, Merle (Carol), St. Hilaire and Raymond (Jeanne), St. Cloud, MN; special friend, Bette Helland, Duluth, MN and 11 nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by parents.