Richard Gust

Kramer

Richard Gust, age 89 of Kramer, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024, at a Minot hospital. His funeral will be held on Monday, November 11, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., at the Zion Lutheran Church in Kramer. Visitation will be on Sunday, Starting at 2:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m., at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Burial will be at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery near Kramer.

Richard was born on June 11, 1935 in Bottineau, ND to Louis and Phyllis (Vogler) Gust. He was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at Zion Lutheran Church in Kramer.

Richard had fond memories of his childhood, growing up on the farm. The Gust boys loved riding in their father’s Model A. He learned at an early age to drive tractors, milk the two cows and was the man in charge of the flock of 120 chickens. (He disliked chickens so much that he vowed to never have chickens when he grew up.) A dam was built on Stone Creek, and the Gust children enjoyed skiing there. As a teenager, Richard was involved in the Walther League. He recalled watching movies in Kramer, playing baseball and loved listening to “Tom Mix” and The Lone Ranger.

When Richard married Charlotte (Kuball) on July 9, 1960, his parents moved into Kramer and he took over the Gust Ranch. They had a bustling farm and ranch life and parented their five children over a span of 33 years. Service work was the heartbeat of their lives. Richard served 63 years as Stone Creek Township Supervisor; 39 years ND Boys & Girls Ranch Board of Directors and 27 years Bottineau County Farmers Union Board of Directors. He also served as AAL President – local chapter, Kramer School Board, Kramer Fire District Board and volunteer fireman, and Bottineau Zone Lutheran Layman League Board.

Service to Jesus Christ and ministry through the church was the center of his life. If he could do one thing over, he would have pursued his passion to become a pastor. In church he served as an Elder, Cemetery board member, Chairman of the Congregation, Treasurer, Trustee and Sunday School Superintendent. In the 1990’s, Richard recorded the church service, then delivered VHS’s to shut-ins across the county.

Richard and Charlotte created memories for extended family and the community in meaningful ways. They hosted many Kuball nieces and nephews at the farm throughout the years, creating stories that have been passed to the next generation. In the 1990’s, they shared their love of Jesus through incredible Christmas light displays, lighting up their farm for miles around with their over-scale, custom-created displays. Finally, any visit to the farm was not complete without a cup of coffee and a game or two of pinochle.

After Charlotte went to her heavenly home in 2003, Richard fell in love with Lucille (Walsh) on the dance floor. They were married January 14, 2006, and loved and laughed their way through 14 years of blessed marriage. They both loved volunteering with the Orphan Grain Train and Lutheran Braille Workers.

Richard always expressed that he won the lottery twice by having two loving marriages – Charlotte for 43 years and Lucille for 14.

Richard was preceded in death by parents Louis and Phyllis Gust; wives Charlotte (Kuball) and Lucille (Walsh); brother Donald (Bette) Gust, brother-in-law Donald Debele, and nephew Craig Gust.

Richard is survived by brother Alfred (Luella) Gust, sister Rosella Debele, and brother Dale (JoAnn) Gust. Children Ruth (Rich) Droogsma, Paul Gust, Gloria (Michael) Thorson, Carl (Tracey) Gust and Kathy (Jeff) Sotak. Grandchildren Mariah (Joe) Packer, Andrea (Daniel) Mack, Savannah Gust, Lauren Gust, Charles & Bennett Sotak. Great-grandchildren Christian (CJ) McCloud, Zara Mack, Malayna and Landon Packer. Richard is also survived by many nieces and nephews and extended family of Lucille (Walsh) Gust’s.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to North Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch or Lutheran Braille Workers.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.

Published by The Minot Daily News, November 9, 2024.