Robert John Gust

Robert John Gust began his eternal life on Tuesday May 7, 2019 just before his 93rd birthday in Lakeland, Florida. He was born on May 19, 1926, to Joseph and Charlotte (Herfel) Gust. Robert married his soulmate and love of his life Hazel (Helgested) on July 20, 1948. Together they farmed in Verona, Brooklyn and then bought their own farm in Cottage Grove, where side by side they raised their family. Even though farming was very time consuming, he still enjoyed going to dances, being in a card club, couples bowling and playing dart ball. Sunday afternoons were family days taking car rides and visiting friends and family. Robert proudly served on the Cottage Grove Town Board for 25 years. After retiring from farming, he worked for the County ASC office, and then hauling milk for Gullicksons Trucking in Deerfield. When they sold the farm, they moved to Cambridge and began wintering in Zepherhills, Florida and moved to Verona for the summers. Finally deciding to make Florida their permanent home. Robert is survived by his loving wife Hazel; four daughters, Susan (Bill) Knight, Sandra (Andy) Purnell, Shirley (Duane) Kopp and Sally (Jim) Coughlan; four grandchildren, Jennifer (Jayjay) Riddle, Ashley (Brad Wiese) Kopp, Lindsay (David Reyes) Knight and Eva (Dan Prozeller) Purnell; seven great-grandchildren, Celine Purnell, Chase Purnell, Becka Kopp, RJ Schrimpf, Kaleb Schrimpf, Ethan Riddle and Camron Riddle; sister-in-law, Lois Gust; brother and sister-in-law, Marlowe and Jude Helgestad; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Joe Gust, Don Gust, Vernon “Mort” and Janice Gust, Charlotte and Richard Disch, and Pat Way; grandson, Simon Purnell; and Hazel’s brothers and their wives, Joe and Evelyn Helgestad, Alvin and Pauline Helgestad, Morgan and Eileen Helgestad and Norman and Adeline Helgestad. A Memorial Service will be held at HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3702 Hwy AB, McFarland, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4, 2019. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. Inurnment will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420