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, SD; Polk, NE; and Long Beach, CA, where he graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School.
Dale served his country as a mechanic, in the U.S. Coast Guards, stationed in Long Beach, California from 1947 to 1951.
Dale was united in marriage to Wanda J. Cooper from 1949 – 1976, making their home in California. This union was blessed with five children; Deborah, Katherine, Linda, Dale (John) and Dianna. Dale was later happily united in marriage to Lynda Parker on April 17, 1976. Lynda preceded him in death on April 19, 2005.
Dale worked as a self employed businessman his entire career, working as the owner and operator of a gas station in Oregon, numerous glass shops in California and retiring as the owner and operator of Wilson Tire & Auto in Wilson, Kansas. While running his business in California, he was an active member of the National Glass Association, the Contractors Union and the Masonic Lodge. He is a member of the Dorrance American Legion Post. He was very active in his children’s activities engaging in horse back riding, water skiing, and camping.
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, 46 great grandchildren and numerous great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, (2) brothers, (4) sisters, his 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.