Dale Robert Gustafson, age 73 of Hibbing and formerly of Aurora and Palo, died Saturday, October 1, 2011 surrounded by his family after a brief illness. He was born December 13, 1937 in North Hibbing, the son of Edwin John and Gertrude (Elliott) Gustafson and grew up in the Hibbing area. In 1954 Dale enlisted in the United States Navy. He served aboard 7 different ships in his tenure, and retired from the Navy on February 15, 1974. On January 30, 1960 Dale was united in marriage with Andrea Paglarini. After retiring from the Navy, Dale was employed by Erie Mining Company and later transferred to Hibbing Taconite where he worked on the bull-gang until his retirement in 1997. Dale enjoyed hunting and fishing, antique cars, flea markets and collectibles. He cherished time spent with his family and the time spent at the cabin on Whiteface. Dale was a member of VFW Post # 8510 in Hibbing.
Dale is survived by his wife: Andrea; children: Darby (Sandy) Gustafson of Hibbing, Dale Gustafson of Hibbing, Kimberly (Joseph) Phelps of Side Lake, Don (Tammi) Gustafson of Hibbing and Darrell Gustafson of Hibbing; grandchildren: Amanda (Joe) Koski, Darby Gustafson, Jr., Alexander Gustafson, Stephanie (Jason) Cavanaugh, Ashley Phelps, Bethany Phelps, Franchesca Phelps, Katrina Phelps, Nathan Gustafson, Nicholas Gustafson, Cassandra Gustafson, and Zachary Gustafson; Great-grandchildren: Elijah Morrison and Peyton Cavanaugh; stepbrother: John (Gail) Martin of La Crescent, MN; stepsister: Merle Denucio of Minneapolis; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings: Richard Gustafson, John Gustafson, Roy Gustafson, and Carol Porter.
A Gathering Time for family and friends will be held Wednesday, October 5. 2011 from 11 a.m. until the 12 Noon Memorial Service in the Anderson-Daniels Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Steve Breitbarth will officiate. Inurnment will follow in the Hibbing Park- Maple Hill Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the VFW Post # 8510 Honor Guard.
Family services provided by Anderson-Daniels, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Hibbing. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .

Visitation

Wednesday October 5, 2011 , 11:00 a.m. - Noon at Anderson-Daniels Funeral Home Chapel

Memorial Service

Wednesday October 5, 2011 , Noon at Anderson-Daniels Funeral Home Chapel

1-888-579-7953 Code: 74804P


Facts Born: December 13, 1937
Place of Birth: Hibbing, MN
Death: October 1, 2011
Place of Death: Hibbing, MN
Occupation: Mechanic
Hobbies: Hunting and Fishing, Antique Cars, Flea Markets and Collectibles
Organizations: VFW Post #8510 in Hibbing