Theodore Richard "Ted" Gustafson, the son of Ernest and Olga Peterson Gustafson was born December 8, 1942 at Storm Lake, Iowa. He went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at Immanuel Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 69 years, 4 months and 24 days. Ted was raised in the Albert City, Iowa area, and graduated from high school in 1960. He attended college in Omaha, NE. Ted then began his career as a furniture sales representative, which spanned 30 years. He also owned and operated a furniture store in Avoca, Iowa for three years. Ted moved to the Red Oak area in l976. While in Red Oak, Ted managed the Red Oak Elks Lodge for five years and worked for the Red Oak Express the next 10 years. Ted also was involved with food sales. During the years his children were growing up, Ted was a member of the Montgomery County Fair Board and 4-H Extension Council. Ted was united in marriage to Penny Lawson on March 12, 1993 at Tarkio, MO. He enjoyed camping, coin collecting and taking mini vacation trips. Ted was a past member of the Elks and Eagles Lodge. He was a member of Faith Community Church and was very involved in activities with the church and two Bible studies. Ted loved to wheel and deal with people. He was a devoted husband, great father and grandfather. Ted was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers: Elmer, Kenny, Ronnie and Lowell; sister, Darlene and a niece, Debbie Mileham. Ted is survived by his wife, Penny Gustafson of Red Oak, IA; son, Rick Gustafson and significant other Deb Sands of Red Oak, IA; daughter, Jodi Simmons and husband David of Pflugerville, TX; step-sons: Troy Ross and wife Kristi of Red Oak, IA; Trent Ross and wife Michelle of Essex, IA; Justin Ross and wife Carrie of Red Oak, IA; step-daughter, Elly Stoaks of Essex, IA; brother, DeWayne Gustafson of Laurens, IA; sister, Dorothy Conover and husband Bob of Manor, TX; 15 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law: Dan Lawson and wife Sharon of Mitchellville, IA; Corey Lawson and wife Karen of Shenandoah, IA; Farin Lawson and wife Stephanie of Warsaw, IL; sisters-in-law: Jackie Woods and husband Mel of Shenandoah, IA; Annita Reich and husband Gene of Red Oak, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn. Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Community Church, Red Oak Rev. Brett White, Officiating Visitation with the family on Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Faith Community Church. Memorials may be directed to the family. Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.