Alfred Gustafson

Alfred Joseph Gustafson, 85, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed on Tuesday, October 4, 2005, at the Cass County Memorial Hospital, in Atlantic.A. J. was born January 9, 1920, in Griswold, Iowa. He was the son of Leonard J. Gustafson and Agnes (Nord) Gustafson. He attended rural school near Marne, Iowa. The family moved to a farm near Adair, Iowa in the 1930"s. A. J. graduated from the Adair High School in 1938. He joined the U. S. Navy in 1943, where he served in Baltimore, Maryland, then in Hawaii until his discharge in January, 1946, as rank of Aviation Chief as Metal Smith 1st Class.On September 14, 1947, A. J. and Margaret Ann Iebsen were united in marriage. They were blessed with three children, Mari Gay, Sara Jane and Jon Mark. Jon passed away in April, 1997. A. J. lived life to the fullest, being strong and active up until his last day. He was an avid sportsman all his life, anticipating deer season, hunting with his son and friends, also with his father, who was just as interested in the hunt up until his late years.A. J. and Margaret moved to Greenfield, Iowa in March 1949, where they started their own heating and sheet metal business, from this A. J. branched into the construction business, having built many new homes in Greenfield. In 1961 they moved to Montgomery County, where Alfred became a Sales Manager for "Page and Hill Homes". He continued working in sales up until his retirement.Alfred was always an enthusiast of Indian lore and artifacts. It was from this love of collecting and going to shows related to this field that he became a well known figure in Iowa as well as other states. This was his hobby as well as a business in his retirement years. Along with this, he managed his land and real estate properties, keeping him very busy. As he used to say, "You gotta hustle, it's the name of the game." And he was always ready for a good game of pinochle.Alfred was a member of the Methodist Church, American Legion, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, National Rifle Association, Villisca Golf and Country Club.A. J. is survived by his wife, Margaret of Atlantic, IA; daughters, Mari Gay Gustafson of Villisca, Sara Jane Gustafson of Atlantic; grandchildren, Scott Bond and friend Renee Rosch, J. J. Bond and wife Nola of Clarinda, Kent Allen and wife Jessica of Ames, Katie Hoffman and husband, Ryan of Minneapolis, MN, Annie Buelow and husband Greg of Clarinda, Mindy Gustafson of Storm Lake, Jon Gustafson and Alison Gustafson of Creston; great grandchildren, Savanna Rosch, Aubrey Buelow and Britten Bond.Alfred is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Agnus; son, Jon Mark Gustafson; sister, Goldie Johnson; and sister-in-law, Darlene Gustafson.Funeral InformationIN LOVING MEMORY OFALFRED JOSEPH GUSTAFSONBorn January 9, 1920Griswold, IowaENTERED INTO RESTOctober 4, 2005Cass County Memorial Hospital85 years, 8 months, 25 daysFUNERAL SERVICEFriday, October 7, 200510:00 A.M.Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic, IowaOFFICIATINGReverend Gary DeGeestFirst United Methodist Church in Atlantic, IowaMUSICAL SELECTIONSBeyond the Sunset by Heidi RolandMy Way CDSentimental Journey CDBEARERS Scott Bond J.J. Bond Terry Bond Jon Gustafson, Jr. Kent Allen Ryan HoffmanHONORARY BEARERS Leroy Glissmanm Jim Goodman Donnie Johns Steve Fitken Glen Hickman Ronnie Fitzloff Chuck Carlberg FLOWER COMMITTEE Leroy & LaVonne Glissmann Mike & Sally DuHouixINTERMENTMilitary Service Adair Cemetery at Adair, IowaFollowing the committal, Alfred's family invites you to atime of fellowship at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic.