Rev. Roy Norman Gustafson

Roy Norman Gustafson, age 86, passed away at Good Samaritan Pleasant View Nursing Home in St. James, MN, October 23, 2015. He was born on June 11, 1929 in Aurora, IL to Norman and Hedwig Gustafson. Roy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Augustana College, Rock Island, IL in 1951 and subsequently from Augustana Seminary in 1955 with a Bachelor of Divinity. He married Miriam Peterson in 1955 before taking his first call at First Lutheran Church in Ogema, WI. During his time as a pastor he was also called to Bethlehem Lutheran in Minneapolis, First Lutheran in Hector, Beaver Lake Lutheran in Maplewood, All Saints Lutheran in Wakefield, MI and First Lutheran in Clear Lake, WI. Roy and Miriam were partners in every way, fully living lives grounded in their faith and together raising their four daughters they loved so deeply. Roy was a dedicated Lutheran minister for over 60 years. He began his ministry as an intern at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in St. Paul. It was there that he fell in love with his wife Miriam who he fondly described as the beautiful angel singing from the balcony. Roy's early experience as an Eagle Scout shaped his lifelong love of nature. He had a passion for getting out and into the great outdoors, especially leading family and church canoe trips to the B.W.C.A. His passion extended to fishing, birds (especially bald eagles), and carving in wood the creatures he loved. Roy was loved by many for his easy and friendly down-to-earth style. The peace and tranquility he found in nature was central to his lifelong ministry and love of God. Roy touched many lives through his ministry, friendships and family. He was deeply loved and will be missed by many. Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Hedwig, his brother, Don, and his wife, Miriam. He is survived by his daughters, Cindy (Paul) Torkelson of St. James, MN, Cheryl (Marvin) Trayford of Roeland Park, KS, Marcia (Mike) Magnuson of Hutchinson, MN, and Mary Gustafson of Venice, CA; 5 grandchildren, Annika Torkelson, Britta Torkelson, Jon Magnuson, Tim Magnuson and Renee Sarnowski. Visitation 1 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Thursday, October 29, 2015 Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel 906 - 10th Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Visitation 2 10:00 am - 11:00 am Friday, October 30, 2015 East Sveadahl Lutheran Church 30187 710th Avenue Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 11:00 am Friday, October 30, 2015 East Sveadahl Lutheran Church 30187 710th Avenue Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Interment Information 1:00 pm Saturday, October 31, 2015 Sunset Cemetery 2250 St. Anthony Blvd. NE Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States 55418