Donald Raymond Gust

Donald Raymond Gust, the son of Frank and Elizabeth Smith Gust was born June 11, 1924 at his parents home near Gray, IA and died September 25, 2008 at the Salem Lutheran Homes in Elk Horn, IA at the age of 84 years, 3 months and 14 days.
Don was baptized as an adult at the Hamlin Lutheran Church in Hamlin, IA. He attended rural Audubon County Schools and later received his GED. Don was employed at various jobs.
On October 9, 1943 he was inducted into the U.S. Army. During his tour of duty he served as a Construction Equipment Mechanic in the Pacific Theater. He was honorably discharged on January 18, 1946. He returned to the Audubon area and was employed at the alfalfa mill for a short time then worked for area farmers.
On December 31, 1952 he was united in marriage to Margaret Albertsen at the Hamlin Lutheran Church. Three children Gregory, Gary and Jane were born to this union. Don was employed by several area farmers. In February 1961 Don began working for the Iowa Department of Transportation. He was employed as a heavy equipment operator and worked for the DOT until he retired in October of 1985. During retirement Don spent his time gardening and taking care of his lawn. Don enjoyed his home then moved to the Salem Lutheran Homes on November 30, 2007. Don was an active member of the Hamlin Lutheran Church and a member of the Audubon V.F.W.
Preceding him in death were his parents; two infant sisters, his brother Gordon Gust and his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Dorothy and Gaylord Swensen, Martha and Hans Buckholdt, and Harold and Joann Albertsen.
Survivors include his wife Margaret Gust of Audubon, IA; his children: Gregory and Debbie Gust of Brayton, IA; Gary Gust of Kimballton, IA; and Jane Duffy of Omaha, NE; his grandchildren: Gretchen Gust of Albuquerque, NM; Greyson Gust of Carroll, IA; Gabe Gust of Brayton, IA; and Dylan Duffy of Omaha, NE; his sisters-in-law: Winifred Gust of Audubon, IA; Sharon and Dewey Reis of Denison, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Cemetery:
Interment will be in Arlington Heights Cemetery in Audubon.

Visitation:
The family will meet friends Sunday afternoon at 2:00 at Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon.

Service:
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Steven Frock on Monday, September 29, 2008, at 2:00 P.M. at the Hamlin Lutheran Church in Hamlin.