Obituary: Frank Arthur Gustafson Jr.

Frank Arthur Gustafson Jr., 92, of Cloquet passed away on Sept. 7, 2023, at Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet. He was born on Dec. 24, 1930, to Frank Sr. and Golden (Bouscher) Gustafson in Hibbing.

Frank was the youngest of his four siblings. Following his graduation from high school, he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea. Frank also served as the ship's barber, and later used his skills for countless family members' haircuts. Frank was honorably discharged from the Navy and was later united in marriage to Frances Newman on Aug. 18, 1956, in Hibbing. The couple enjoyed many camping trips and shared their hobbies of gardening and fishing together. Prior to retiring at age 65, Frank worked as the head of purchasing and housekeeping at Community Memorial Hospital. He was a third-degree (Master) Mason in the Dalles Masonic Lodge #181 and a past member of the Viking Shrine Club, even performing as JuJu the clown at the circuses. Frank was known to collect multitudes of stuffed animals to hand out to children or donate to the Children's Hospital. He truly adored his family and every child he met.

Frank will be remembered by his sister-in-law, LaVonne Gustafson; nieces and nephews, Cheryl (Doug) Leno, James (Heidi) Gustafson, Kevin Gustafson, Joy Gustafson and Dennis Flynn; and many great- and great-great-nieces and -nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; siblings, Delores (James) Flynn, Bud (Audrey) Gustafson and Charles Gustafson; nephews Kerry, Kirk and Jay Gustafson; and niece-in-law, Muriel Gustafson.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the staff of Evergreen Knoll Assisted Living for the extraordinary care they gave to Frank.

In accordance with Frank's wishes, no public services will be held at this time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet. To sign an online registry, please visit http://www.nelsonfuneralcare.net.

Pine Knot News, Sept. 15, 2023