R. Eileen Gustafson, of Devils Lake, formerly of Harlow and Maddock, ND, died Friday, January 9, 2009, at Mercy Hospital in Devils Lake.  Funeral services will be Friday, January 16th 2009, 1:00 PM at Zion Lutheran Brethren Church in Maddock with Pastor Luther Mathison officiating.  Burial will be in Our Savior's Lutheran Cemetery at Harlow later in the spring.  Visitation will be Thursday from 4 to 7pm with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service at the Nelson Funeral Home in Maddock and Friday at the church an hour before the funeral.  Casket bearers will be:  Brent Gustafson,  Brian Carlson,  Brent Olson,  Byron Brenno,  Larry Brenno,  Duane Johnson and Larry Swenson.  Honorary bearers will be the members of Zion Lutheran Brethren Church.  Music will be from Yoli Slater and Roberta Johnson, vocalists with Kathy Daeley, pianist.

Ragna Eileen Gustafson was born November 4th 1929, at Brinsmade, ND, to Iver and Ragna (Sogge) Seth.  Following the death of her mother during childbirth,  Eileen was raised and educated by her aunt and uncle, Harry and Helga Albert at Erie, ND.  Eileen moved to Minnewaukan, ND and worked for Signe and Laurice Ness.  She married Edwin A. Gustafson on November 16, 1947 at Minnewaukan.  The couple made their home in Harlow, ND, until moving to an apartment at Maddock in 1992.  Through the years, Eileen worked as a cook in the Harlow School, at the Palace Café in Leeds and also was employed for a time as a county homemaker, caring for the elderly.  Following Edwin's death on February 17th 1996, Eileen remained in Maddock, later residing at the Maddock Memorial Home and then moved in January of 2007 to the Good Samaritan Center in Devils Lake.

Eileen was an active member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Harlow, its WELCA, and taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.  After moving to Maddock, she attended Zion Lutheran Brethren Church.  Eileen was a member of the Robert Tovsrud VFW Post #757 Auxiliary of Harlow.  She had an assortment of over 200 angels that she collected over the years.  Eileen also enjoyed reading, scrabble, coffee with her neighbors and embroidering.  The Harlow Centennial Quilt contained many blocks that she had embroidered.

Surviving are two sons and a daughter-in-law:  Raymond & Diane Gustafson of Maddock and Keith Gustafson of Bismarck and a daughter:  Heidi Gustafson of Devils Lake;  two grandchildren:  Brent and wife, Lynn of Valley City and Brenda Gustafson of Moorhead; three great-grandchildren:  Mikayla, Alexis and Tyler Gustafson and a sister-in-law:  Alma Johnson of Velva, ND.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; aunt and uncle who raised her.

The family prefers memorials to the Zion Lutheran Brethren Church in Maddock.



Condolences:

My thoughts are with all of you. This is a hard time, but I have many happy memories of visits with your mom. She always had time for a cup of coffee if you stopped in. And Scrabble. There was always the famous comment, "Oh, let's just have a quick last game!" She was always happy to have company for as long as you could stay. Remember skiing with your mom on Chicken Coop Hill! Or picking juneberries in the Buttes. So many good memories. She had a good heart and will be missed. Wayne Groff



Keith and family,
My thoughts are prayers are with you all. Having just lost my own mother right before Christmas, I understand the emotions you are all going through. I found great peace knowing Mom was now spending time with Dad and all her loved ones. She is now at peace as I know your mother is. God bless you all. Nancy Meiers



Ray, Diane and family,
Our sympathy to you in the loss of your mother.
Ruth and Dean Lindgren

Heidi, Sorry about the loss of your mom. Thinking of you during this very difficult time. Janet Hanson



Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family(s)

Joel & Sue Piatz

Raymond, Keith and Heidi;
Mom ,Laurice, Terry,Sheri and I wish to send our condolences to all of you at this time. The weather is to cold for Mom to go out and some of us have to work. We will keep you in our prayers at this difficult time and we'll see you in the Spring. Please have Dave send Mom a few folders if you could.
Thank You,
Laura Halle