Rodney D. Gustad
Rodney D. Gustad, 75, of Akeley died Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006 at Innovis Health in Fargo.
He was born Nov. 2, 1930 to Clifford and Mary (Mattison) Gustad in Storden. He attended school through the eighth grade at Lamberton School Dist. 3 and graduated from high school at Montevideo. In 1944, they moved to Big Bend where he was confirmed at Big Bend Lutheran Church. He farmed with his family until entering the US Air Force on June 25, 1951 in Minneapolis. He was in the 48th fighter bomber wing of the 493rd bomber squadron, serving in France, Germany and Africa. He was honorably discharged as staff sergeant May 23, 1955. He returned to Big Bend area and farmed until 1961 when he moved to Akeley, where he farmed south of town.
He married Joan N. Johnson July 28, 1962 at Akeley. In 1968, he began working for Ah-Gwah-Ching health care facility as an executive housekeeper until retiring in 1991.
He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Akeley and served on the church council from 1962 until 1998.
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He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Janelle Heinonen of Bemidji and Linda (James) Wilcowski of Blackduck; two brothers, Dudley (Angie) of Park Rapids and Orvis (Connie) of Grand Junction, CO; three sisters, Ruth (Wally) Olson of Milan, Clarice (John) Velde of Clarkfield and Connie (Vern) Lein of Boyd; and four grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Carol May and Marlene Shaw; and a brother, Russell.
Funeral: Tuesday, Oct. 17 at First Lutheran Church in Akeley with Pastor Ken Nyhusmoen officiating.
Honorary casketbearers: His grandchildren, Jes-sica and Nicole Wilcowski and Lisa and Eric Heinonen.
Active casketbearers: Richard Ebaugh, Roger Lashua, Larry Hoff, Kirk Stover, Austin Huffman and David Andress.
Interment: Akeley Cemetery.
Military honors were provided by the All Veterans Ceremonial Burial Team, the Memorial Corps League Ceremonial Rifle Team and Taps by Ray Vaadeland.
