Vernon Leonard Gustafson passed away May 16, 2022, at the SMP Health-St. Kateri in Rolla, ND. Vernon (Gus) was born March 3, 1931, to Leonard and Malvine (Delbeke) Gustafson in Bottineau, ND.

Vernon grew up in rural Bottineau County at the original Gustafson homestead.  At about the age of four, he moved with his parents to St. John, North Dakota where he started school early. Like Vernon's brothers, he served in the military.  While enlisted in the Navy, he was trained in the fire-fighting service. He was also a part of a unit, along with hometown local recruits, who recommissioned and transferred vessels to and from different ports.  Vernon was called home to assist his mother with Gustafson Oil following a debilitating illness of his father.  This was the beginning of a lifetime working in the heating oil, gas, propane and oil retail business in partnership with his mother and then with his wife and sons.

Vernon married Betty James in 1954 at her parent's farm in rural St. John, ND. They began their married life in St. John, ND later moving to 3 miles out of town. Vernon and Betty had 66 wonderful years of marriage before Betty's death in 2020.  They raised 6 children. This was a source of pride and he never failed to brag about the life he had spent with his long time love and partner.

Vernon and Betty fulfilled a dream when they purchased the Holum farm and lived at what became the Gustafson Horse Ranch since 1967.  Vernon's interest in horses started at an early age.  There were always ponies and horses around the Gustafson home. Vernon turned his passion for horses into an equine business that along with the Oil Company, provided a living for Betty and Vernon's family.  He and Betty worked alongside their sons and sometimes their daughters. While Vernon did not spend a lot of time on leisure activities: he loved driving horses on a trail ride or sleigh ride, traveling to horse sales, and visiting with friends and family.

Vernon is survived by a son, Darrel (Janine) Gustafson of St. John, ND; daughters, Peggy Gustafson of El Paso, TX, Jane (Ross) Sivertson of St. John, ND and Denise (Dale) Geritz of Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Bridget Gustafson of Souris, ND, Lloyd Matthew (Nicole) Sivertson of St. John, ND, Callie (Tyler) Bryant of St. John, ND, Jacob Geritz of Sioux Falls, SD, Alex (Fiancé Sierra) Geritz of Hutchinson, MN and Clayton Gustafson of St. John, ND; sisters, Doreen Hudson, Judith (Doug) Whisman and Dorothy Gustafson of Rolla, ND; daughter-in-law, Becky Gustafson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Vernon was proceeded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 66 years; sons; Marvin and Earl: siblings Lawrence, LeRoy, Donald, Bernard, and Leo Gustafson and Deanna Christianson.

Funeral services will be held at the St. John Community Center Gymnasium, on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 2:00 PM.  A meal will be served prior to going to the cemetery for burial at Swedish Zion Lutheran Church (The Stone Church) Cemetery, rural Souris, ND.

Memorials preferred to the Swedish Lutheran Church or the St. John Presbyterian Aide.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.