Thomas “Tom” Howard Gustafson, 90, of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Tom was born on December 30, 1935, in Minnesota to Benny Gustafson and Mary Eva (Kennedy) Gustafson. He was raised with strong values of faith, hard work, and dedication to family, qualities that remained evident throughout his life.

On July 19, 1958, Tom was united in marriage to the love of his life, Beverly Ann Haugen, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church. Together they made their home in Thief River Falls, where they built a life centered on family, community, neighbors, and service to others.

Tom proudly served his country in the United States Army, enlisting in 1957 and receiving an honorable discharge in 1960. Following his military service, he established a long and respected work career. He was employed by Peterson Biddick, Bridgeman's Dairy, and Stordahl Trucking. Tom was known for his remarkable work ethic and rarely sat still. At the age of 74, he retired from Fisher Electric, and at the age of 86, he retired a second time from Auto Value in Thief River Falls, demonstrating his determination, energy, and commitment well into his later years.

Tom attended Redeemer Lutheran Church with his wife and family. He was very devoted to his grandchildren’s activities, traveling to out-of-town games, spending the last couple of years following Kylie.

Tom spent decades restoring old cars. He enjoyed car shows, including many trips to Back to the Fifties in Minneapolis, driving many miles in his pride and joy a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500.

He was admired for his kindness, dependability, and willingness to help others. His quiet strength, sense of humor, and steadfast love for his family will be remembered by all who knew him.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beverly; his parents, Benny and Mary Eva Gustafson; siblings, Jack Gustafson, Beverly Fisher, and Lee Gustafson.

He is lovingly survived by his four children, Marci Ann Lull of Bemidji, MN, Vicki Diane (David) De Koeyer of Kenswick Ridge, New Brunswick, Canada, Kathi Lynne Sorter of Sioux Falls, SD, and Cory Thomas (Dawn) Gustafson of Viking, MN; grandchildren, Jamie Kevin Lull, Amber Kaye (Austin) Sorter, Trent Thomas Sorter, Dylan Thomas (Chantal) Gustafson, Tyson Marshall Gustafson, and Kylie Ann Gustafson; great-grandchildren, April Lull, Sarah Lull, Levi Tice, Harper Tice, and Isla Hier; brother, Gary (Marlys) Gustafson of Roseau, MN; members of the daily coffee crews; along with many other relatives and friends who will cherish his memory.

A celebration of life for Tom will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 21st, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Stephanie White officiating. Visitation will begin at Noon. Burial will be held at Clearwater Cemetery, rural Plummer, MN.

Tom lived a life defined by devotion to his family, pride in his work, and many mechanical hobbies. His legacy of perseverance, integrity, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.

Blessed be the memory of Tom Gustafson.