In Loving Memory of

Francis Richard Gustaf

Francis Gustaf was born on August 24, 1926 on the family farm in Lowville Township, Murray County, Minnesota to Joseph and Margaret Doerhofer Gustaf.  The family later moved to Slayton where Francis attended Slayton School.  On December 11, 1944 Francis was drafted into the United States Army and served in Japan and the Phillippines.  Following his honorable discharge on December 7, 1946 he returned to Slayton.  On June 1, 1948 he and Wilma Thaler were married at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton.  Following their marriage they made their home in Slayton until 1959 when they moved the family to Sturgis, SD for a year so Francis could work on building a hospital. The family returned to Slayton and Francis worked for Carlson Construction in Sioux Falls, SD for 28 years.  Francis then worked with his son, Gene doing masonry work through out the area until 2000 when he retired.  Due to failing health Francis moved to Our House Hospice Home in Slayton on November 17, 2020.  Where he passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020 at the age of 94.  He was a member of St. Ann’s Church.  He also was a member of the Slayton VFW Post.  Francis enjoyed fishing, camping, jigsaw puzzles, traveling, Sudoku, riding bike, playing cards, telling good jokes and playing ball with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his eight children and their spouses, Judy and Don Carlson of Slayton, MN, Alan and Miriam Gustaf of Pineville, MO, Junita and Bob Moulds of Windsor, CO, Christine and Les Roberts of Ft. Collins, CO, Lori and Joel Grunke of Fairfax, MN, Peggy Gustaf of Ft. Collins, CO, Eugene Gustaf of Slayton, MN, and Barb Gustaf of Belgrade, MT, 24 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, two siblings, Margaret “Marky” Kirk of Balaton, MN, and Lester “Art” Gustaf of Council Bluffs, IA, and one sister-in-law, Maxine Goin of Templeton, CA.  He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Wilma, and eight siblings.

In an effort to keep everyone safe a private family service will held at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton on Monday, December 7, 2020 with Fr. Thien Nguyen officiating.  The organist is Sharon Lais.  The pallbearers are his grandchildren.  Interment is at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Slayton, MN.  Military honors accorded by the Slayton VFW Post and the Slayton American Legion Post.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church on Monday. 

 Per MN Executive Order, masks will be required and social distancing and occupancy limits are to be followed.