Dale Willys Gustafson, 91, of Dorrance, Kansas, passed away Sunday, December 15, 2019 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.
Dale was born May 31, 1928 in Onida, South Dakota. He was the son of John David and Mary Ann (Colby) Gustafson. He grew up and attended schools in Onida; Polk, Nebraska; and Long Beach, California. He graduated from Long Beach High School.
Dale served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard. He was a mechanic stationed in Long Beach from 1947 to 1951.
Dale was united in marriage to Wanda J. Cooper on May 21, 1949. This union was blessed with five children; Dale, Deborah, Katherine, Linda and Dianna. They made their home in Long Beach. They divorced several years later. Dale was united in marriage to Lynda Parker on April 17, 1976. Lynda preceded him in death on April 19, 2005.
Dale was a self employed man his whole life. He was the owner and operator of a gas station in Oregon, owned and operated of five Glass Shops in California and was the owner and operator of the Tire Store in Wilson, Kansas. He was a member of the Glass Association in California; member of the Masonic Lodge in San Bernardino, California; Contractors Union Officer in California and a member of the Dorrance American Legion Post. He was very active in his children’s activities like horse riding club and speed racing with boat and all their other activities.
Dale’s surviving family include four daughters, Deborah Webster of Dorrance, Kansas, Katherine Robison in Simla, Colorado, Linda Ridder (Paul) of Lincoln, Kansas and Dianna Brunsell of Salina, Kansas; stepchild, Brianna Webster of Wichita, Kansas; 21 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren and numerous great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lynda, son Dale “John” Gustafson, and grandson Matthew Hutton.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. The family has selected cremation. A Memorial has been established as the Dale Gustafson Memorial Fund. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, who is in charge of these arrangements.