Melvin J. Gustavson's Obituary
Melvin J. Gustavson, 91, of Spanaway, WA, formerly of Berthold, North Dakota, passed away April 24, 2009 at St. Clare Hospital.
Melvin was born March 12, 1918 to John and Augusta (Larson) Gustavson in Des Lacs, North Dakota. He attended school until the 8th grade. He farmed in the Berthold area and retired from Burlington Northern Railroad in July of 1980.
On October 16, 1943 Melvin was united in marriage to Isabella (Bella) Armstrong. Bella passed away on November 2, 1968. On November 24, 1972 Melvin was united in marriage to Olive Ardahl. Olive passed away on March 25, 1993.
Melvin moved to Washington State to be closer to his children. He tolerated Washington, but his heart and soul were in North Dakota. He got his wish now. He is in the state he dearly loved.
Melvin is survived by his children Donna (Del) Bates of Puyallup, Washington, Roger(Sandra) Gustavson of Graham, Washington, Connie (Johnnie) Porter and Dennis (Darlene) Gustavson, both of Roy, Washington, grandchildren Sean (Lisa) Bates and Denise (Rusty) Carpenter of Spanaway, WA, Jennifer (Jim) Thompson of Spanaway, WA, Randy (Jenni) Gustavson of Graham, WA, Kristin (Kevin) Drath of McKenna, WA, Melvin and Chad Porter of Roy, WA, Sheri (Lee) Reimers of McKenna, WA and Rebecca Gustavson of Olympia, WA, great-grandchildren Kaitlyn and Kaleb Carpenter of Spanaway, WA, Jonathan and Jessica Thompson of Spanaway, WA, Jeremy and Lacie Reimers of McKenna, WA, Brody Gustavson of Graham, WA, and Michael, Brandon, and Kayla Drath of McKenna, WA, and step-great-grandchildren Janell Rose of Rolan, OK and Jared Carpenter of Tacoma, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and four sisters.
Funeral services will be held at Mountain View Funeral Home in Lakewood, Washington. He will be buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in Minot, North Dakota next to his wife Isabella.
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