Olaf C. Gustafson

Olaf C. Gustafson, 59, Mapleton, ND, died on Sunday, April 21, 2013 in his home after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Olaf Conrad Gustafson was born on Dec. 28, 1953 in Langdon, ND to Orville and Dorothy (Bourbanis) Gustafson. He grew up in rural Cavalier, ND. Olaf attended rural school and also Cavalier High School. He enlisted in the US Army in 1972, serving in Korea until his discharge in 1974. After his return he married Paula Shanks on July 11, 1975 in Bathgate, ND. They then lived in Cavalier for several years while he worked construction. They moved to Mapleton in 1982. Olaf has worked for several companies in the Fargo area that included GNC, Fairway Foods and most recently Sanford Health. Olaf retired in 2010. Family was important to Olaf, as were his pets. He cherished his time spent at the farm and enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors. His sense of humor will be missed by many. He is survived by his wife, Paula, Mapleton, ND; daughters, Shari (Brian) Blixt, Fargo, ND, Stephanie Fischer, West Fargo; five grandchildren, Charli, Brooke, Caden, Brianna and Katie; siblings, Julie (Don) Hager, Wichita, KS, Chummy (Joann Oien) Gustafson, West Fargo, ND, Bob (Nancy) Gustafson, Cavalier, ND, Dennis (Marcella) Gustafson, West Fargo, ND, Loretta Landen, Cheyenne, WY and Ken Gustafson, West Fargo, ND; mother-in-law, Helen Shanks, Crookston, MN; brother-in-law, Dale (Myrna) Shanks; Sisters-in-law, Mary Ann (Henry) Loock, Judy (Steven) Thordarson; and many nieces and nephews. Olaf was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Dorothy and his father-in-law. Visitation: Wednesday, April 24, 2013, from 5 to 7 in West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND. Funeral: Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 2 p.m. in Hope Lutheran Church - South , Fargo, ND. Online: westfuneralhome.com