IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Glen A.

Glen A. Gustafson Profile Photo

Gustafson

Mar 8, 1945 — Aug 10, 2025

Obituary

Glen Gustafson Obituary Glen Allan "Gus" Gustafson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and community leader, passed away peacefully at his home in Lakeshore, Minnesota, on August 10, 2025, at the age of 80. Known to many simply as "Gus," he was kind, loving, modest, humble, and generous. He lived an impactful life and leaves behind a legacy that will be felt for generations. Glen was born in Bremerton, Washington, on March 8, 1945, to Alfred and Stella (Spilseth) Gustafson, while his father worked in the naval shipyards during WWII. The family later returned to Minnesota, settling in Alexandria. Glen attended Alexandria High School, where he shined both academically and athletically, earning letters in football, basketball, and baseball. He graduated in 1963. He continued his education at the University of North Dakota, where he was a three-year letter winner in football and a proud member of the 1964, 1965, and 1966 teams honored in the UND Hall of Fame. He graduated in 1967, and later from the UND School of Law in 1970. Glens greatest blessing came when he met Marilyn, his future wife, in junior high. They began dating in high school and married in 1962, sharing 37 years of marriage until Marilyns passing, at age 54 in 1999 after a courageous battle with ALS. Together, they raised four children in Brainerd, Minnesota. After law school, Glen worked in Rochester, MN, for a year before moving to Brainerd in 1972 to establish a law practice. Starting out in a small basement office generously provided rent-free for six months, he built a highly respected practice over the next 40 years. Known for his integrity, humility, and generosity, Glen helped countless people in both his professional and personal lifeoften quietly without seeking recognition. A man of deep faith and quiet strength, Glens heart for service was evident in every stage of his life. He founded the Brainerd Sports Boosters and served as president of the YMCA, Brainerd Youth Athletic Association, Bremer Bank Board, and Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He was a longtime treasurer of the Brainerd Soup Kitchen, a hospice volunteer, a board member for the Brainerd Food Shelf, and a faithful Meals on Wheels volunteer. In recognition of his dedication, Glen was named Brainerd Citizen of the Year in 2019. Glens faith was central to his life. He approached each day with gratitude, a deep love for God, and a commitment to living his values. He loved his family fiercely, treasured time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and found joy in sports, hunting, golf, Lake Hubert, Mazatln, and his loyal dogs. He is survived by his children: Jan (Mike) Sheady, Mike (Melanie) Gustafson, Brian (Kaylo) Gustafson, and Anne Gustafson; seven grandchildren: Kelsey, Patrick, Bodie, Lizzie, Abby, Paige, and Hillary; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; his brother, John; and his parents, Alfred and Stella. A celebration of Glen's life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 15, 2025 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Brainerd, with a visitation starting at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Brainerd Sharing Bread Soup Kitchen (www.sharingbread.com).
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Funeral Services

Visitation

August
15

Friday

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

418 8th Ave NE, Brainerd, MN 56401

Starts at 10:00 am

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