Charles "Chuck" Gustafson

Charles “Chuck” Gustafson, 76, of Dodge, North Dakota, went home to be with Jesus on Friday, August 15, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family after a brief illness.  Services will be held at 10:00 am CT on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Prince Of Peace Lutheran Church in Beulah, with Pastor Scott Pierson officiating. Burial will follow at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan at 2:00 PM.  Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Monday, at Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah.

 A stubborn Marine with an unbreakable spirit, Chuck’s quick wit and endless stories were the heartbeat of his family, and his dedication and resilience made him a steadfast friend to farmers and ranchers across the region.  Chuck’s life was a testament to the power of hard work, the strength of service, and the depth of love for family and community. Chuck gave everything he had, and in doing so, left a legacy that will echo in the hearts of those who knew him forever.

Chuck was born on September 14, 1948, to Hilmer and Hilda (Mohl) Gustafson, and raised on the family farm near Dodge, where he learned the value of hard work and developed a deep passion for farming - a passion he carried with him until the very end.

A 1966 graduate of Dodge High School, Chuck pursued further education at NDSU before answering the call to serve his country by enlisting in the Marines in July 1968.  As an Avionics Technician, Chuck served with honor in Vietnam with HMM 262, earning 73 Air Medals for his courage and commitment. After his honorable discharge in 1972, he continued his service in the Marine Corps Reserves until 1974.  In April 2023, Chuck was honored to participate in the Western ND Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., a proud moment recognizing his Marine Corps service.

Chuck’s dedication to excellence extended beyond the military as he graduated from North Dakota State School of Science in 1974 and built a career that took him across several states before returning home to work at Minnkota Power in Center.

In 1978, Chuck married Wanda Erickson, and together they raised two daughters, Lori and Sara. In 1979, Chuck took over the family farm, and his transfer to Antelope Valley Station in Beulah in 1982 brought him closer to the land he loved.  Chuck’s passion for farming was a gift he proudly passed on to his daughter Lori and grandchildren.

Never one to rest, Chuck’s life was marked by active community involvement. He served on numerous boards, including the Dodge School Board, Oliver Mercer Special Education, Dodge Farmers Elevator, and Dodge Saddle Club, always driven by a desire to give back and strengthen his community.

After retiring from Antelope Valley Station in 2007, Chuck continued to operate a mobile grain cleaner and manage the family farm until his illness in January 2025.

Chuck is survived by his wife Wanda; daughters Lori (Mark) Klein and Sara Gustafson; grandchildren, Charles Joseph, Jenna, and Nora Klein; sisters, Sheila (Larry) Miller and Rita (Keith) Nodland; brother Jim; and many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hilmer and Hilda Gustafson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Western ND Honor Flight or Quilts of Valor, continuing Chuck’s legacy of honor, service, and love.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles "Chuck" Gustafson, please visit our floral store.