James Gustafson

James E. “Jim” Gustafson, 73, of Pennock, died Sunday, March 23rd at CentraCare Rice Hospital in Willmar. His funeral service will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, March 29th at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Willmar. Visitation will be 5-7:00 pm, Friday, March 28th at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and continue one hour prior to his service at the church. Burial will be at Mamrelund Lutheran Cemetery in rural Pennock. www.hafh.org

James Edward Gustafson was born November 16, 1951, to Harry and Janet (Osterkamp) Gustafson in Willmar. He attended school in Willmar and graduated from Willmar High School in 1970. Jim continued his education at Willmar Vo-Tech where he studied Electronic Repair. After his schooling he worked as a trucker, at Lampert Lumber in Willmar and eventually Jim started his own construction company in 1975, Gustafson Construction of Pennock. He was a general contractor who enjoyed everything from building homes, sheds, renovations and all things construction. He retired in 2019 due to his health. Jim was united in marriage to Brenda Mahlum on December 19, 1975, at First Baptist Church in Willmar. They lived in Lake Lillian for year before making their home in Pennock. Jim came to know his Lord and savior at a young age and was a living example of his faith. Jim was an active member at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Willmar where he served as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, and even gave a message a few times. He loved anything outdoors, especially hunting or fishing. Jim and Brenda also enjoyed traveling. They went to Hawaii, Belize, Aruba, Curacao, Florida, California, and Arizona. He was a lifelong member of the NRA and was a firearms instructor for 20 years. Jim was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, brother and friend.

Jim is survived by his wife, Brenda; children: Bradley Gustafson of Pennock, and Jodi (Matt) Kulset of New London; grandchildren: Shaila  (fiancé, Jake Wymer) Gustafson, Daniel (Rosemary) Gustafson, Hailey Gustafson, Dalainah Gustafson, Caleb Kulset and Isaac Kulset; great-grandchildren: Grayson and Adaline Wymer and one on the way, Felix and Finn Gustafson, and Ky’mani, Ky’mir, and Ky’mari Dixon; siblings: Jerry (Pam) Gustafson, Robert (Marlene) Gustafson, Janice (John) Leuze, Marilyn (Richard) Gottwald, Sharon (Ross) Olson, Darla Oldfield, Renee (Paul) Jacobson, and Lori (fiancé, Chad Fadness) Winter.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son in infancy, Jamie Paul Gustafson.

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