Clifford Orin Gustafson

Clifford Orin Gustafson, 87, of Cummings, ND, died Monday, September 12, 2011 at his home. Clifford was born Sep. 13, 1923, in Rugh, Nelson County, North Dakota to Oscar and Ella (Ask) Gustafson. Clifford could accomplish anything he set his mind to do. At a very early age, he loved riding horses and teaching his younger siblings how to ride. Clifford served in the United States Army, during World War II as a highly decorated combat infantryman. He spent 36 months in the South Pacific. In 1946, he returned to North Dakota and lived in and around the Williston area. Clifford was the last WWII living veteran from the Williston area. He worked many years in construction, long haul driving, farming, and as a small business owner. Clifford married Jean F. Hanson of Mayville on Dec. 15, 1959 in East Grand Forks, Minnesota. He and his wife, Jean, made their home in Cummings and enjoyed many wonderful hobbies together. Clifford is survived by 4 brothers, Gordon (Arlene) of Aurora, CO, Jerome of Aurora, CO, Jerold of Osage, MN, and Larry of Escondido, CA; 4 sisters, Dolly Dwyer of Great Falls, MT, Dorothy Wood of Winter Haven, FL, Avis (Melvin) Steinwand of Longmont, CO, and Monica Miller of Las Vegas, NV; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean; and 2 brothers, Mylo and LeRoy. Memorial Service: 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 19, 2011 at Baker Funeral Home in Mayville, ND, with a visitation one hour prior to the memorial service. Burial: St. John’s Cemetery, Hatton, ND.