Arthur E. Gustafson , 95, 1623 3rd Ave S.E. Minot, and formerly of the South Prairie area, died Wednesday, November 8, 2006, in a Minot Hospital.

Arthur was born June 8, 1911, at Leal, North Dakota, the son of Emil and Amalia (Ericcson) Gustafson. His family moved to Afton Township of Ward County, south of Minot, where he was raised and educated.

Art assisted with the operation of the family farm during his younger years, and then was called into active duty service with the U.S. Army during World War II. Art was involved in the European Theatre of the war and became a Prisoner of War following the Battle of the Bulge.

Upon receiving his honorable discharge, Art returned to the family farm, where he and his brother Bert continued to farm south of Minot throughout the years. Art retired from farming in 1996. He and his brother Bert have lived in Minot since 1950.

Art was a longtime member of Saron Lutheran Church, the Farmer's Union local, and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

His loving family includes : brother, Bert Gustafson, Minot, along with 10 nieces and nephews and a number of great-nieces and great-nephews.

Art was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Margaret Swanson, Lucille Erickson, Gunhild Ehr, Mabel Ehr and brother, Bernard.

Funeral service : Monday, November 13, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. in Saron Lutheran Church, rural Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot
Visitation : Sunday from Noon - 5:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the ND Medal of Honor Memorial, to be built in Roosevelt Park, Minot.