Richard Gustafson

Richard Glen Gustafson was born on November 24, 1944 in Benson, Minnesota to Paul and Pearl (Kelly) Gustafson. He graduated from Benson High School in 1962. Richard attended Alexandria Technical College for machinist. Richard was united in marriage to Clair Purdy on June 11, 1966 at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria. To this union the couple was blessed with four children. He worked for Douglas Machine for 16 years as a machinist. Richard had a great sense of humor and loved to play pranks on people. He enjoyed working on projects, and was very meticulous. The family enjoyed camping at Carlos State Park and watching the fireworks on the 4th of July. He liked to hunt, fish, play pool, golf and play games on the Internet and communicate with people. He loved his bird, and most importantly spending time with his granddaughter, Pearl ?Little Pockets?. He was a past member of the Alexandria Eagles Club. Richard died on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at his home at the age of 68. He is survived by his wife, Clair of Alexandria; sons, Rich, Mike and Tim (Serena) Gustafson and daughter, Tracy (finance, Randy Gertner) Gustafson all of Alexandria; grandchildren, Mike Trahms and Pearl Gustafson; brother, Elverne (Ona) Gustafson of Benson; brother in laws, Alvin and Charles Purdy; nephews, Jessie and Joey; and niece Shannon Purdy. Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Pearl. A funeral service was held on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria with Reverend David Hinz officiating. Interment was in the Benson City Cemetery in Benson, MN. Casket bearers were Michael Gustafson, Richard Gustafson, Tim Gustafson, Alvin Purdy, Randy Gertner, and Elverne Gustafson. Honorary casket bearers were, Tracy Gustafson, Mike Trahms and Pearl Gustafson.