Lessing Gustafson

Lessing “Les” “Swede” Gustafson, 90, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, February 25, 2009, at his home.  He was born July 27, 1918, in Willmar, Minnesota, the youngest son of Axel Edward and Helene Marie (Nilsen) Gustafson. He grew up in Willmar, graduating from Willmar High School in 1936. He was baptized and confirmed in the Swedish Covenant Church in Willmar. In 1941 he entered the U.S. Army, serving during World War II in the Aleutian Islands and Northern France. He was discharged in 1945. He married Mary Bolinder on July 5, 1945. On May 29, 1976 he married Mardell “Mardi” Beske.   The couple resided in Fergus Falls where Les worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company for over 45 years as a Combination worker. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, and was previously a member of the Swedish Covenant Church of Willmar. He was a member of VFW Post #612, the Mason’s Club, and also the Y’s Folks where Les was a board member. He volunteered at the Community Food Shelf and the Y’s Folks group. Les enjoyed fishing and hunting, and in his youth enjoyed skating. His favorite places included Flin Flon, Saskatchewan, Canada, and Foot Lake near Willmar. Preceding him in death were his parents and ten brothers and sisters: Frances Klein, Phyllis Lapham, Ervil, Clifford, Maysen, Arthur, and Roger, along with Edward, Alice and Ferdinand who all died in infancy. Survivors include his wife, Mardi of Fergus Falls; a sister, Adele (Edward) Brabec of Vancouver, Washington; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; Mardi’s family, Karin Zahnow, Lynette Starin, Cheryl (Ron) Hegerle and Wes (Lori) Beske, and a host of friends. Visitation   4-6 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home Memorial Service:     1 p.m. Friday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Clergy:      Reverend Paul H. Nelson Interment: Tingvold Lutheran Cemetery, rural Underwood Military Participation: Fergus Falls VFW and American Legion Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls