Strathcona - John Gust, 85, died Sunday, February 21, 1999 at his home near Strathcona.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 24 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Benwood with Father Bob LaPlante officiating. Jeanne Novacek was the organist, and Joni Burkel was the vocalist. Larry and Priscilla were the Eucharistic ministers. Reader was Travis Pearson, and Cassie Cwikla, Tyler Aune and JoHanna Windecker were giftbearers.
Honorary casketbearers were John's grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Casketbearers were Jason Gust, Steven Gust, James Gust Jr., Connie Cwikla, Karen Windecker and Travis Pearson. Interment was in Gust Cemetery in Strathcona. The Collins Funeral Home of Greenbush was in charge of the arrangements.
John Alex Gust was born on February 9, 1914 in Poplar Grove township of Roseau county in the Benwood community, the son of Anton and Elizabeth (Puttbrese) Gust. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith and grew up and attended school in the Benwood community.
On October 16, 1937 Johnnie was united in marriage to Georgeanna Svoboda at Greenbush. Since their marriage the couple has lived and farmed in Poplar Grove township.
He as a life-long member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Benwood and served on the Poplar Grove town board for several years.
John is survived by his wife, Georgeanna; one son, James (Ruth) of Strathcona; two daughters, Diane (Clarence) Dahl and Arlette (Gary) Pearson, both of Middle River; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Helen (Steve) Kaml of Greenbush and Rose (Jim) Ranney of Brainerd; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Johnnie, in infancy; four brothers, Alvin, Phillip, Ervin and one in infancy; and three sisters, Florence Johnson, Ella Paulsen and one in infancy. A00003B1999MR03