Douglas Don Gustafson

Douglas Don Gustafson

Douglas Don Gustafson, Lake Vermilion/Tower, passed away on November 14, 2025, due to natural causes.

Doug was born October 24, 1949, in Crookston, Minn., and raised in Aurora, Minn. He graduated from Aurora-Hoyt Lakes High School in 1967 and attended electrical apprentice school in North Dakota. A proud member of IBEW Local Union 292, he retired as a foreman from the University of MN in 2009.

Doug put his family first. Everything he did was for his wife, daughters, and granddaughters. Always hardworking, he was a skilled electrician and a true problem solver. Throughout his life, he planned, built, and fixed projects big and small.

He found peace in nature. As an experienced hunter and fisherman, hunting with his friends and family were some of his favorite times. He loved spending time on his hunting land, and he cherished the years he and his wife shared living on Lake Vermilion.

He was a loyal friend. His dry sense of humor and the stories he collected over a lifetime made him someone people enjoyed being around.

In his final days, he was cared for with devotion by his daughter, Lori.

Doug will be forever missed by his daughters, Michele (John) Koski, Kelly (Jason) Eaton, and Lori Gustafson; granddaughters, Elizabeth and Lacey Price, Cora Koski, and Nora Eaton, and many friends. He is further survived by his mother-in-law, his brother and sister, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews and their families.

Preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Vicki; father and mother, Hallace and Marjorie; father-in-law, Dominic Gulan; brother-in-law, Dale Nelson; and several dear friends.

Honoring his wishes, there will be no formal service. We will remember him through the stories we share, the lessons he taught us, and many fond memories.