Gordon D. Gustafson — Oronoco

The memorial service for Gordon D. Gustafson, 79, of Oronoco, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester, with Rev. William Otte officiating. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Stewartville.

Mr. Gustafson died Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, from natural causes at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester, where he had been a patient for one week. 



Gordon Duane Gustafson was born April 25, 1933, in Pleasant Valley Township, Mower County, to Maurice and Luella (Quandt) Gustafson. He grew up on the family farm, attended rural and Stewartville schools, graduating from Stewartville High School in 1953. He then was employed at Libby, McNeill & Libby Co. in Rochester, as a seasonal worker.

Gordon was married on April 9, 1955, in Tamarack, to Estella Davis. Following their marriage the couple lived in Rochester, Minneapolis and McGregor before moving to Stewartville in 1963. They were later divorced.

Mr. Gustafson was employed at Vogel Advertising in Rochester for 43 years until his retirement in 2011. Gordon was married on Feb. 10, 2007, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa, to Caroll Farley Vincek. Following their marriage the couple lived in Oronoco, where they continue to make their home. Caroll was employed at Econo–Lodge Motel in Rochester for a number of years until her retirement.

Gordon was a past member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pleasant Valley Township, and was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester. He enjoyed helping at his father's resort in McGregor, and also enjoyed trips to Branson, Mo. for Passover celebrations during Easter season. Gordon was an avid Vikings, Twins and Gophers fan and enjoyed time spent with his family especially all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Caroll;one daughter and five sons, Jeff (Sherry), of Rochester, Doug, of Preston, John (Leann), of Rochester, Linda (Ron) Jokimaki, of Tamarack, Jim (Junell), of rural Stewartville and Dave (Jean) of Kasson; seven stepchildren, Cindy (Matt) Wilson, of Plainview, Chris Vincek, of Rochester, Victor Vincek, of St. Peter, Jean (Dave Charpenter), of Palisade, Joyce Vincek, of Lake City, Rob Vincek, of Byron and Jayme (Dan) Varner, of Hastings; 37 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Leo (Lois) Gustafson, of Hot Springs, Ark., Philip Gustafson, of Tucson, Ariz., and Raymond (Brenda) Gustafson, of St. Paul.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Janet and Marlys Gustafson, one brother, Bruce Gustafson and stepdaughter, Victoria Gochnauer. 



Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday morning.

The family suggests memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester. 



Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. www.griffin-gray.com