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Cole R. Gustafson, 56, of Fargo, North Dakota, died accidently on April 28, 2012 on his parents’ farm near Center City, Minnesota. He was born on November 21, 1955 and raised on the generational family farm. He was baptized, confirmed, and married at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church, Center City. He attended the University of Minnesota for his bachelor’s and master’s degrees and later earned a PhD in Agricultural Economics from the University of Illinois. Cole married Nancy Anderson on March 17, 1977.

They lived in College Park, Maryland. He worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Urbana, Illinois while he earned his PhD, and also lived in Fargo, North Dakota for the last 26 years while he taught at North Dakota State University serving as a professor, associate dean, biofuels economist, and most recently, chair of the Agribusiness and Applied Economics Department. In his spare time, Cole loved to keep busy building houses, restoring salvaged cars, repairing tractors, designing motorcycles, rebuilding burnt Caterpillars, making snowmobiles out of parts, refurbishing televisions, crafting furniture, and helping everyone else with their projects.  In spring and fall you could always find Cole on the family farm planting or harvesting.  
Cole is survived by his wife, Nancy, son, Erik of Fargo; daughters, Kelsey of Fargo and Ana (Ben) Creo of Providence, Rhode Island; granddaughter Chloe Creo; parents Richard and Darelyne Gustafson of Center City; brother Max (Mary) Gustafson of Center City; sister Lori Wayman of Minneapolis and many other family members and friends.

Visitation 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom, MN and also one hour prior to service at church on Thursday.  Funeral service 11 a.m. Thursday, May 3, 2012 at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City, MN. A memorial service will also be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 5, 2012 at Hope Lutheran Church North Campus, Fargo, ND.
The family would prefer memorial gifts directed to Chisago Lake Lutheran Church, The Hope Lutheran Church Foundation, or The Cole R. Gustafson NDSU Scholarship Fund.  Condolences may be left online at www.grand strandfh.com.

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