James Gaustad

James Edwin Gaustad was born on February 4, 1931 in Wadena, MN.  His parents were the late Edwin and Selma “Sally” (Ronning) Gaustad.  James grew up in rural Vining, MN.  He was baptized at the Folden Lutheran Church and attended school in Henning graduating with the class of 1949.  He then enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country from 1949 to 1953. 

James was united in marriage to Loretta (Quam) Sandahl on March 27, 1954.  This union was blessed with seven children.  James and Loretta resided in Elbow Lake, Minnesota during their first year of marriage while James worked on an area farm.  Then they made their home in Henning, Minnesota where James was employed in the L.P. gas business before retiring in 1993.

James enjoyed time with his friends and family, gardening, woodworking, fishing, reading, playing cards, and watching westerns.

James passed away peacefully at Lakewood Health Systems in Staples, Minnesota, surrounded by his family, on October 19, 2019 at the age of 88 years.  Preceding James in death were his parents, Edwin and Selma Gaustad; wife:  Loretta Gaustad; brothers: Delvern Gaustad and Gene Gaustad; grandchildren:  Cameron Sandahl and Heidi Lindenfelser and a number of friends and relatives.

He will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his seven children:  Carter (Christine) Sandahl, Careywood, ID; Gary (Jill) Hallman, Rochester, MN; Jeffery (Debra) Gaustad, Puyallup, WA; Janice (Thomas) Weinhandl, Henning, MN; Jon (Ann) Gaustad, Underwood, MN; Jay Gaustad, Henning, MN; Jayne (Ronnie) Cekalla, Little Falls, MN; eighteen grandchildren; thirty-four great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sister:  Sandy Brill, New York Mills, MN; many other relatives and friends. 

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