Gerald Gustafson, age 73, of Mahnomen, MN, died Friday August 31, 2012 at his home.

Gerald Wesley Gustafson, the son of Clifford and Julia (Gudmunson) Gustafson was born at home at Maple Bay, near Mentor, MN, on August 15, 1939. He moved with his family to the Grand Forks, ND, area and attended Windchip Elementary School. At the young age of 17, Jerry graduated from Central High School and then attended the University of North Dakota. On February 24, 1962 Jerry was united in marriage to Joan Effhauser at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Grand Forks, MN. The couple lived in Grand Forks for a short time before they moved to Mound, MN, to make their home. For many years, Jerry worked for an auto body business in Mound, learning the trade. Jerry served in the United States Army National Guard until 1963 then continued his service with the Army Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1967. In 1967, Jerry and his family moved to the Mahnomen area and opened a body shop of their own. Joan passed away on June 3, 1991. Gerald proudly owned and operated Jerry's Body Shop for over 40 years, at which he was still working.

While raising their children, Jerry loved to spend time at the lake. They spent many weekends camping and fishing as a family. Jerry also enjoyed airplanes and took great pleasure flying with his buddies whenever he was able. He was a quiet man, but cherished a phone call or visit with his family and grandchildren as often as possible.

He is survived by one son, Wes Gustafson of Twin Valley, MN; two daughters, Teri (Tom) Bjerk of Bottineau, ND and Sandy (Mark) Hergott of Lisbon, ND; one brother, Jack Gustafson of Grand Forks; two sisters, Dolly (Howard) Hodena of Hinckley, MN, and Marion Boller of Naples, FL; and four grandchildren: Travis Bjerk, Trista Bjerk, Nick Soiney, and Ryan Soiney.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at the Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home on Friday, September 7, 2012 from 2:00pm until 4:00pm, with a Committal Service at the St. Michael's Cemetery in Mahnomen at 4:30pm.