Don Franklin Gustofson Obituary | Grandon Funeral & Cremation Care

Don F. Gustofson
February 29, 1932- September 3, 2012

Don Franklin Gustofson, long-time resident of Ames, died at Green Hills Care Center on September 3, 2012. A memorial service will be held at First Christian Church of Ames, Iowa on Thursday, September 6 at 10:30am.

Don Gustofson was born in Hampton, Iowa on February 29, 1932. He was a 1950 graduate of Boone High School and worked his way through college selling shoes at Emerhoff's Footwear in Ames graduating with a degree in science from Iowa State College in 1955. He began his career as a high school chemistry and physics teacher in Milford Township and Nevada for four years.

He worked for Iowa State University for many years in the areas of admissions, achievement fund, director of alumni affairs and director of development. He also served as director of development for Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana and in various fundraising and consulting capacities in the areas of environmental conservation and healthcare. He was an innovator in developing retirement communities on college campuses, including Green Hills of Ames.

Don was well loved by his family and married Patricia Hope Sandell on January 1, 1955. They were married for 57 years and have four children, twelve grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Surviving children include a daughter, Deborah (William) Hoemann of Harrah, Oklahoma; Two sons, Scott Gustofson of Kelley, Iowa, and Grant (Mary) Gustofson of Boone, Iowa and a daughter, Kirsten (Kevin) Pirko of South Riding, Virginia. Grandchildren include Matthew, Nicolas and Meghann Hoemann of Oklahoma; Scott, Jacob, Jarred, Jordan, Sarah and Brenton Gustofson of Boone, Iowa; and Andrew, Daniel and Case Pirko of South Riding, Virginia. Great grandchildren include Alaysia, Amara and Aylah Hoemann of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He is survived by one sister-in-law, seven nieces and nephews and their spouses and children.

Don was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman who enjoyed raising bird dogs, hunting, fly-fishing, skiing, gardening and bird watching. He was a ham radio operator (WOTFM) for many years obtaining his license at age 12.

Gustofson was a member of The Order of the Knoll for many years. He was actively involved with the Story County Conservation board, serving as director from 1996-2000. He was recently involved with Iowa Interfaith Power and Light. He volunteered his time and talents for many other community and non-profit organizations and was a longtime member of First Christian Church of Ames, Iowa. Memorial contributions may be made to either First Christian Church or the Story County Conservation Board.

On line condolences may be sent to: wwwgrandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.

Fred McLain, Maryland on Sep 22, 2012

I was one of Mr. Gustofson's high school students in Nevada. He was a superb teacher and role model. All members of our class ('62) had the highest respect for him. In addition to teaching us science, he taught us how to live. I am very saddened by the news of his passing.

Wanda Mock on Sep 10, 2012

Dear, dear Don, thanks hardly seems like an adequate word for a lifetime mentor and friend of your capacity. I have missed our close conversations and now can only remember your voice and words.You are terribly missed.

Gary L. Krull on Sep 9, 2012

Thanks, Don.....over the years you led change, challenged your staff and allowed us to do our Jobs!!!! ISU is a better place today, because of your efforts.

Tom Ingram on Sep 6, 2012

All of our love and support to Pat, Deb, Scott, Grant, Kirsten and the family on Don's passing.

He was a wonderful friend and second dad growing up. Hunting, dogs and birds are such special memories of Don.

We will miss him.

Ed Hendrickson on Sep 6, 2012

Don was a wonderful neighbor and friend.

Phyllis Lepke on Sep 5, 2012

Don was a wonderful, generous boss as I entered the world of alumni relations and fundraising back in the 1970s. He and Laura Dailey were quite the pair--so full of energy, laughter, and creativity. Iowa State was the better for their commitment and many of us "learned the ropes" through Don's guidance. I will always think fondly of him. Deep sympathy and warm wishes to Pat and their family.

Tim Coble on Sep 5, 2012

Don was one of my first mentors--in love of ISU, in understanding business and sales and in life. He worked with a very young person, but never treated me that way. We made trips to Alumni groups that will always be special to me. Though it sounds insignificant now, he loaned me $5 in 1977 that changed my life. I paid him that back in Montana, but he has paid me back so many times over the years with his vision about life. He was the only leap child I have ever known and I tried to remember it every 4 years. Now I know I will never forget it or him.

Deborah Gustofsp on Sep 5, 2012

Mike Potter on Sep 4, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. Every time I saw him, he brightened my day and made me smile! My love and prayers to all his family.

Virginia Richards on Sep 4, 2012

I am very sad to hear of Don's death. Don will be greatly missed by me, as well as by all who knew him. I will miss the service as I am in South Carolina visting my sister, but you are all in my thoughts. I send my deepest sympathies.

Beth Richards on Sep 4, 2012

I am so saddened to hear of Don's passing. I always enjoyed him and his great stories about adventures on the farm, and I especially lkied running into him at Green Hills the last few months. My sincere condolences.

Jennifer (Clem) Smith on Sep 4, 2012

I was saddened to hear that Don had passed, but I feel so very grateful to have had a wonderful friendship with him. Our friendship proved that it does not matter your age; friendships endure and can flourish even when 40 years separates you. Don had a zest for life and an "it" factor that made you just want to be around him. He was truly an example of how to live life fully and how to seize each day with excitement. You will be missed my friend.

Ann Mulder on Sep 3, 2012

Kathleen is right, Uncle Don was the best uncle! Christmas's at the farm were an event! Lake time was awesome too... He tackled many projects and family moments with grace & impact! Took a big bite out of life & showed us how to dive in
head first!

Debbie Gustofson Hoemann on Sep 3, 2012

Kathleen on Sep 3, 2012

Candle Don was the best uncle. Many of my favorite childhood memories are with Unlce Don, Aunt Pat & the cousins on the farm at Christmas, and at the lake. I'll always love you, Uncle Don.