Ella Marie Gustafson

Ella Marie was a loving wife of 51 years, mother, daughter, sister and grandmother. Ella Marie was born in Crosby, ND on April 1, 1950. She grew up on the family farm in Bowbells, ND. She was the youngest of six children and the only girl. Ella graduated from Bowbells High School and then attended Josef’s School of Hair Design in 1969.

Ella Marie married Raymond “Jerry” Gustafson on January 3, 1970. During Jerry’s service in the U.S. Navy, they lived in Georgia and California, returning home to North Dakota to raise their family. In North Dakota they owned two restaurants, the Crossroads and Louis & Clark Café. Ella was a wonderful homemaker. She and Jerry shared a strong Christian faith and had an old school, deep, soulful kind of love that they brought to their love of music and dancing. They pursued all their interests together. Ella and Jerry were the biggest fans in support of their family, traveling around the country to cheer, visit and spend time with their children, grandchildren, family and friends.

Ella was a talented artist creating many treasured paintings, needlework and wheat weavings. She was always up for a home remodel, new paint job, or furniture restoration. She was fearless with her incredible talent. Ella Marie’s bubbly personality and infectious laugh lit up any room. She was a selfless caregiver her whole life. Her grandchildren call her the perfect Grandma. In her free time, she loved jokes and pranks with her kids and grandchildren and providing haircuts and “world famous” caramel rolls for the entire family whenever needed!

Ella Marie Gustafson is survived by her son, Jeff (Janelle) Gustafson, daughter Heidi Gustafson (Scott Rickford); brothers Hilbert Jr. (Joyce) Pfeifer, Norris (Rynnene) Pfeifer; grandchildren Brittany Gustafson (Ethan Shinholster), Tyler Gustafson and Emilee Gustafson and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ella was preceded in death by her dedicated and loving husband, Raymond Jerald Gustafson, her parents Hilbert Sr. and Gladys Pfeifer, and brothers Dwaine Pfeifer, Dwight Pfeifer and Gerald Pfeifer.

The family wishes to extend our sincere appreciation to the caregivers at the Wellstead of Rogers who provided kind, loving and respectful care to Ella for the past year.

Burial Service: Friday, May 27 at 3:00pm; North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND. More information to follow.

Memorials in honor of Ella Marie are appreciated in lieu of flowers to Parkinson’s Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gearhartfuneralhome.com for the Gustafson family.