Roger Henry Gustin

Roger Henry Gustin was born on May 7, 1932, to Frank and Anna Gustin, in Flasher, North Dakota. Roger died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2020, of natural causes, at the Eastern Montana Veterans Home in Glendive. MT.

Roger was raised on the family farm. His schooling took him through the eighth grade, as he was needed on the farm. He later earned his GED and enjoyed some college classes.

He was an insurance agent for the Knights of Columbus, worked at LaBelles, then on to the USPS (United States Postal Service), where he worked up to postmaster and retired with 20 years of service in 1995. He enjoyed working with wood, building and fixing things, gardening and puttering in the garage.

Roger joined the Army, served in the Korean War (1952 to 1954), and was a Purple Heart recipient. Upon receiving injuries, he was released from active military service and transferred to Army Reserve to complete eight years of service with an honorable discharge. He was enlisted with the Air Force National Guard 120th Fighter Group in Great Falls from 1970 to 1973.

He married Agnes J. Jochim on June 14, 1955. Together, they had nine children. Roger and Agnes were involved in World Wide Marriage Encounter and the Cursillo Movement through the Catholic Church. They farmed outside of Flasher and, in 1964, they moved to Great Falls, then on to Billings in 1973. Agnes died in February of 1990.

Roger was very involved with the Knights of Columbus starting in 1955. He was instrumental in helping council get established in various towns. Over the years, he was involved with the 3rd Degree, held positions of District Deputy, Grand Master of the 4th Degree, State Treasurer, along with annual fundraisers, tootsie roll drive, garage sales, Right to Life, and other activities. He enjoyed his affiliation within the organization throughout his life and became inactive in 2005. One of his last knightly endeavors was to make a prayer garden, which never materialized, but kept his mind busy. His faith was very important to him.

Roger married Vernis Lund in 1992; they lived in Billings until 2002, then moved to Minnesota. Vernis passed in 2014.

Roger moved back to Montana in August of 2015 and resided in Opheim until failing health conditions rendered more professional care. Roger moved to EMVH (Eastern Montana Veterans Home) in Glendive from April of 2016 until his passing. He enjoyed the fellow residents, exercise room, and activities.

Survivors include his three sons, Jerry (Julie), Ted (Suzy) and Jeff (Lisa); his six daughters, Marise (Leo) Martin, Belinda (Bryan) Steele, Pam Gustin, Renee (Joe) Odom, Christine (Chris) Reino and Melissa (Tom) Banks. He was blessed with numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Anna; brothers James, Dan, Tony; sisters Betty (Maurie) Creedican, Johanna (Al) Ternes, Clara (Joe) Braum; and brother-in-law Ed Wingenbach.

A vigil will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at St. Pius X Church, 717 18th St. West. The service will be livestreamed through https://www.stpiusxblgs.org/worship/streaming-mass/.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Doug and Jesse Martin, Travis Gustin, Ray Emeigh, Shane Gustin, Tyler and Kyle Gustin, Cody, Casey and Calvin Odom, Dino Bott and Colby and Issac Batt.

Honorary pallbearers will be brother Herman Gustin; nephews Arnie Wingenbach, Pat Creedican, Kenny, Wayne and TJ Gustin, Don, Leo and Dennis Gustin, Arno, Jim and Brad Braun, Tom, Pat, Mike and Mark Gustin, David, Dwayne, Irvin and Robert Ternes.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation to Catholic Church or the Knights of Columbus.

Funeral Mass will be live streamed Friday, September 11, 2020 at 11am. Click Here