GUSTAVE HOFSETH

GUSTAVE HOFSETH Gustave Gerald [Christianson] Hofseth of Finley, ND died February 3, 2014 at the age of 94. Gustave, known as Gus, was born to Ludvig and Elise Christianson May 12, 1919 in Circle Montana. Gus had one older brother, Charles Christianson, and a younger sister, Ester [Christianson] Meyer. His mother died in childbirth, September of 1920. Gus was fostered by Elmer and Christine Hofseth (his mother’s cousin) of Finley, North Dakota. He attended Finley Public School and graduated in 1937, in the midst of the Great Depression. After graduation he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps. Gus served in the Army Air Corps during WWII, from April 1942 to Nov 1945, primarily in the Philippines. Returning to Finley after the war, Gus worked as a butcher at the Red Owl store in Finley. Gus married Diana June Knudson Feb 12, 1950. They had seven children. In 1952 Gus went to work at the 785th Radar Squadron, Finley, ND. He started out as a stationary boiler fireman working his way up to retire as Heating Plant supervisor in 1979. After retirement, Gus and June loved to travel and visit their children. They spent several winters in Arizona, Washington and Texas. They also went to Norway where they visited with relatives. When he wasn’t in Finley, Gus would soon be talking about how he had to get back ‘home’ to the prairie. When he was able he often took drives in the country around Finley, the Sheyenne Valley and surrounding areas. This was ‘God’s’ Country to him. Gus spent almost his entire life in Finley. Gus always wanted to stay connected to family and friends. One of his favorite past times was to go downtown and play cards with the guys. He is remembered for his friendliness, humor and generosity. He was a member of the Northern Mayflower Lodge and the American Legion. Gus was preceded in death by his parents, his foster parents, his brother and sister and daughter Sandra. He lost his wife of 61 years May 24, 2011. He is survived by Charles [Cathy], John [Georgeanna], Paul, Sylvia, Keith [Ronaly] and Kent and a multitude of grand and great grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held Friday February 21, 2014 at 2:00pm at the Finley Lutheran Church.