Ray
Gustafson, 63Greenbush - Ray "Sparky" Gustafson, 63, died Monday, February 8, 1999 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. on Friday, February 12 at United Free Lutheran Church in Greenbush with Pastor Ken Hart officiating. Eileen Kilen was the organist, and vocal music was provided by Arlene Jenson and Joanne Gunderson. Casketbearers were Raymond Schaller, Merlyn Alme, David Gustafson, Noral Sovde, Bob Melby and Norman Svegdahl. Military honors were accorded by Halma-Lake Bronson American Legion Post 315. Burial was in Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, rural Greenbush. The Gieseke Funeral Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.
Ray Orvis Gustafson was born on November 11, 1935 in Lind township of Roseau county near Greenbush, the son of Gustaf and Cecelia (Botoche) Gustafson. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and attended school in Greenbush, graduating in 1954. Ray farmed with his family before entering the U.S. Army in 1960. He was discharged on September 12, 1964 and returned to the family farm.
On September 1, 1970 he married Gloria Jean Gorsuch. The couple has since farmed in rural Greenbush.
Survivors include his wife, Gloria; two daughters, Celeste Wojciechowski of Halma and Brenda Gustafson of Newfolden; two grandchildren; and two brothers, Gayford (Florence) of Enumclaw, WA and Arnie (Virgene) of Kent, WA.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Willis and Ronald Gustafson. A00003B1999FB17