Alvin Carl Gustafson

Al Gustafson passed away on March 5, 2019 at the age of 86. Alvin Carl Gustafson was born to Clarence and Theresa Gustafson in Macoun, Saskatchewan on September 11, 1932, the first of ten children. He attended Macoun School and enjoyed the rich relationships of rural community life. As a teenager he ventured out from home to attend Hillcrest Christian Bible School in Medicine Hat, Alberta. He continued his education at Cascade College in Portland, Oregon where he met and married Celia Anne Hampton at age 22. Together, they began ministry at Bethel Methodist Church in Ridgefield, Washington where Al served as pastor from 1956 to 1963. At the same time, Al began his teaching career in the Ridgefield School District. He loved his students at the high school, teaching algebra and supervising the National Honor Society until his retirement 30 years later. During these years Al and Anne raised three children whom they nurtured in the love of the LORD. Al and Anne were married for 37 years. Al also pastored Green Mountain Conservative Baptist Church for five years. Al met Wanda Vernon at Crossroads Community Church in 1992. They married that same year. Retired, they traveled with the Gladtimers Quartet across the Pacific Northwest for nine years. They were married for 26 years. Surviving Alvin are his wife Wanda (nee Vernon), children Janice Wells (Doug), Connie Schlonga (Michael), and Rodney Gustafson; grandchildren, Torrence Gustafson (Jessica), Michelle Schlonga, Grant Gustafson, Gabriel Wells, Victor Schlonga, and Maggie Wells; and eight siblings, Lenard Gustafson (Alice), Lorraine Lincoln (Jack), Floyd Gustafson (Marlene), Darlene Easterly (David), Murray Gustafson (Diana), Karron Hanses (Michael), Oral Gustafson (Corrine), and Judy Sohnchen (Randy). Alvin was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Theresa Gustafson, and by his brother Dwayne Gustafson. A Celebration of Life will be held at Bethel Evangelical Methodist Church in Ridgefield, WA at 11:00 am on March 30, 2019. A Memorial fund has been set up in honor of Al Gustafson to support the maintenance and rebuild of South Sudan Alpha Primary School. If friends so desire, donations may be made payable by check to Generational Hope(Gen Hope): mail to Generational Hope Church 26040 SE 216th St. Maple Valley, WA 98038. Or a donation may be made online through the following link: https://generationalhope.churchcenter.com/giving/to/memorial-fund.

Alvin Carl Gustafson

September 11, 1932 - March 5, 2019