Elmer William Rustan

Elmer William Rustan, 101, died on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Villa St. Vincent Nursing Home, Crookston, MN.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 AM Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN.
Funeral service will begin at 11 AM Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN Rev. Timothy Lundeen will officiate the service.
Burial will be at Oak Park Lutheran Cemetery, Oklee, MN.
On October 29, 1923, Elmer was born to Edward and Josie (Gunderson) Rustan at home in Deer Park Township, Pennington County, MN. He attended rural country school, Oklee High School, and graduated from Crookston A/C in 1942. On February 19, 1944, Elmer was united in marriage to Laura Christina Mostrom at the parsonage in Oklee, MN. Elmer was drafted into the United States Army in 1945, serving in the Philippines, and was honorably discharged from the Army. He returned to Red Lake Falls. Shortly after their marriage, they lived in Red Lake Falls from 1948 to 1951 and then in Minneapolis from 1952 to 1955. They bought a farm in rural Oklee in 1956. They built a house on the farm in 1963, and Elmer lived there until May of 2021, when he broke his hip. For the next four years, he lived in the Villa St. Vincent Care Center, Crookston, MN.
Elmer enjoyed farming: raising cattle, grain, and hay. As early as three years old, Elmer played fiddle by ear, later playing accordion and piano. Elmer also tuned pianos by ear and serviced sewing machines. He played accordion for many garage parties and wedding dances in the Pennington and Red Lake Counties. Visiting with his grandchildren was a joy as he enjoyed telling stories about life in the old days. Discussing politics and news with friends and family was meaningful to him. He especially liked it when his grandchildren would bring their "Machine" (iPhone) to look up information. Elmer and Laura entertained many guests and gatherings at their home for many years.
Elmer is survived by his son: Errol (Gerri) Rustan, Oklee, MN; 8 grandchildren: Sam (Melissa) Rustan, Pickett, WI, Anna (Steven) Stoll, Woodbury, MN, Emma (Chistopher Dunn) Rustan, Duluth, MN, Gustav (Ellen) Rustan, Stillwater, MN, Clara (Robert) Rogalla, Oklee, MN, Melissa (Jason) Johnson, Grand Forks, ND, Christina (Keegen) Halvorson, Argyle, MN, and Micah Hamm, Warren, MN; great grandchildren: Keaten and Gabriella Stoll, Sigrun, Mirielle, Sarah Rustan, William, Laura, Ruby Rustan, Megan Johnson, Tate (Camille) Johnson, Joshua (Mikaela Sindelir) Hamm, Adrian (Jared Jukich) Hamm, Elijah Donarski, Drew Halvorson, Chase Kalt; great-great grandchildren: Daxon Kiefer, Rylan Hamm, Oaklyn Hamm, Grady Hamm, Wrenley Hamm, and one on the way; sisters: Lillian Hilgeman, Lyla Kimball, and Dellys Nylec; several cousins, nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Laura, daughter, and son-in-law: Judy and Tim Munger; brothers: Edwin (Deloris) Rustan, Bennie Rustan, Milan Rustan, Richard (Gloria) Rustan, and Hilmer (Elsie) Rustan; sisters: Evelyn (Walter) Piepgras and Violet (Charlie) Ronne.
The family is very grateful to the Villa St. Vincent for the wonderful care they gave Elmer these past 4 years. We are also very grateful to HIA Hospice (Hospice of the Red River Valley) for the support and quality of life you gave Elmer these past few months.