Donald O. Gustafson, 77

Donald O. Gustafson, 77, died Friday, March 19, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was born to William and Alice Gustafson in Milnor, N.D., on Oct. 15, 1932, and later came to Shelby with his family where he had attended school, graduating from Shelby High School. While in high school, he had been very active in sports. He later served in the United States Air Force, where he was honorably discharged at the rank of staff sergeant. Don had been a longtime resident of Whitefish where he had been an entrepreneur who owned and operated several businesses, including Riverside Grocery, Snak Time and Northwest Ice. Don was an Eagle Scout and later a high school basketball referee. He was a past-president and prime minister of the Whitefish Winter Carnival. A man who was proud of his family, he loved to joke and will be missed by his family and many friends. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Zoe; his children, Eric of Whitefish, Tim of Reno, Nev.; and Lori of Sacramento, Calif.; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Gary; and by his parents. Services will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor s choice. Arrangements are under the care of Austin Funeral Home.