Robert Gustafson, 78, of Williston, ND, passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at the CHI Alexius, Bismarck, North Dakota.

Robert was born October 30, 1938, in Leads, North Dakota to Orvel and Barbara Gustafson. He spent his early childhood on a farm near Temple, North Dakota. He attended elementary school at Lincoln Country School near Temple. He moved to Ray and graduated from Ray High School. During his high school days, Robert worked at a local grocery store to help support his family. After high school, he enlisted in the Army and served his country during the Korean conflict.

Robert married Mary Bearden in 1958. A child, Mitch was born to this union. They later divorced.
In his early years Robert worked in the oilfield and spent time working in Alaska. He spent most of his life self-employed in the grain elevator business. In 1993, Robert and his son Richard started R & R Elevator repair service working side by side for the following 15 years. Robert never did retire! He went back to work in the oilfield for Basin Concrete. His most recent employment was with Schlumberger Rod Lift Inc. In April of 2016 at the age of 77 his health forced him to stop working.

Robert was united in marriage to Mildred Freed on August 26, 1967. They had two children, Richard in 1968 and Angie in 1971. Robert and Millie raised their children in his home town of Ray, ND where they resided until 1990. They moved to Southern California to be closer to their son who was stationed in the Marine Corp. During their three year stay Robert was maintenance manager of the apartment complex Millie managed. They moved to Williston, ND and Robert went back to the elevator business with his son Richard. It was at that time they started R & R Elevator Service.

Robert loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He loved to camp and fish with his family. When he wasn’t fishing and hunting he was working in his yard and garden. Robert was known for his large garden and took great pleasure in giving fresh vegetables to family and friends. Robert, an avid Vikings fan, loved sports and followed his son, daughter, and grandchildren in all their sporting events.

Robert was a soft spoken, hardworking, intelligent loving man, who was always willing to help family and friends. He will be sorely missed by all.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years Mildred; one son, Richard (Laurie) of Williston; six grandchildren, Alex Haas, Jordan (Deryl) Ditch, Randi Gustafson, Bailey Gustafson, Brittany Adams and Tyler Adams; step-grandchildren Sarah and Jocelyn Walz; six great grandchildren; six sisters, Lynn (Dave Thompson) of Spokane, WA; Dorelee (Melly) Hodenfield of Ray, ND; Veronica (Dale) Flaten of Ray, ND; Sheila (Chuck) Berntsen of Minot, ND; Yvonne (Everett) Gibbins of Williston, ND; and Carol (Jerry) Zunich of Williston, ND; a brother, Orvel Jr. (Carolyn) Gustafson of Casper WY and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son Mitch and Daughter Angela. His parents, Orvel and Barbara; and his siblings Donny and Judy.