Walter Reynold Gusaas

Walter Reynold Gusaas, age 92, passed away on June 5th at Ave Marie Nursing Home with his wife of 66 years by his side. Walt was born December 11, 1924 in Litchville Township, La Moure County, ND, son of Arthur and Amelia (Giste) Gusaas. He was baptized June 7, 1932 and confirmed July 3, 1938 at North LaMoure Church, Litchville, ND. He attended Black Loam School #1, LaMoure County, from 1930-1938, graduating from the 8th Grade. Walt didn't have the advantage of high school education; but later worked hard and graduated with a G.E.D. from Jamestown High School in 1976. Walt started work as a farm laborer. On December 7, 1944 he was called to serve his country and reported for induction January 30, 1945. He served in the US Army Infantry and Signal Corp in WWII in the Philippines and then Japan. Walt was honorably discharged receiving the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Victory Medal and moved to Jamestown in 1947. Walt then worked for Northern Pacific Railroad (now Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad)initially as a Brakeman and was promoted to Conductor. He retired July 1, 1974 on a disability. Walt was a volunteer driver for Social Services. Walt married his first love, Laurel Frances Schug, on April 22, 1951 at Nebo Lutheran Church, Valley City, ND. Walt and Laurel enjoyed family vacation trips by train and automobile all across the US and parts of Canada. They later enjoyed winters by being snowbirds in Texas. Education was extremely important and he helped provide advanced education for his sons and daughter. Walt taught his sons how to hunt and build. He loved his family and was very proud of their accomplishments. He was an active member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Dakota Ramblers Square Dance, Square Dance Steppers and Campers, Sons of Norway, United Transportation, Eagles and VFW. He enjoyed dancing, building bird houses, and building rocking chairs for grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Walt is survived by his wife, Laurel, Jamestown, ND; his sons, Scott Gusaas Hunter, Gillette, WY; Mark (Valerie) Gusaas, Horace, ND; Robert (Karen) Gusaas, Bloomington, MN; his daughter, Diann (Joseph) Aberle, Forman, ND; foster son, Merle Norman and 6 grandsons, Ezra, Caleb, Seth and Jed Aberle, Erik and Brock Gusaas; 1 granddaughter, Molly Gusaas; 6 great grandchildren; one sister, Mavis Kranz, National City, MI. Preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; Morris & Harry & one grandson, Kirk Gusaas.

Funeral services will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Jamestown, Friday, June 9th, at 10:30am, with visitation 1 hour before service.

Receiving Friends & Family will be held Thursday, June 8th, from 5-7pm at Ave Maria Nursing Home, Jamestown.

Burial will be in Highland Home Cemetery, Jamestown. Funeral arrangements by Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown, ND.

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