The angels were dancing and the choirs were singing as Luverne Gussiaas of Carrington, ND, entered the gates of heaven on November 10, 2014, just a few short days from celebrating his 83rd birthday here on earth. Luverne passed away at Carrington Health Center, with his entire family being his source of spiritual comfort and strength as he peacefully made his final journey.  

Luverne Edward Gussiaas was born to Andrew and Thea (Edwardson) Gussiaas on November 15, 1931, at the family farm in rural Carrington, ND. He was a tremendous 13th addition to a family of 15 children. Luverne attended school at Nordmore rural school graduating from the 8th grade.

Luverne met the love of his life, Beatrice Heintz, at the Rainbow Gardens in Carrington. Their relationship flourished into something beautiful, and they were married on November 24, 1959. A precious two more weeks would have allowed them to celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary. Together they began their life in rural Carrington, where they built their home, established their farming, dairy and ranching operation, raised their five children, entertained their 13 grandchildren and adored their great grandson.

Through curiosity, hard work and the love of nature and the land, Luverne became a knowledgeable farmer, excellent marksman, avid trapper and routine “auction bidder”. He was respected by fellow trappers who often sought his expert advice. He enjoyed his annual trips to the ND Trapper’s Convention and sharing his “stories” with those who appreciated the same hobby. He was dedicated to carrying on this tradition and did so by teaching his sons and grandchildren the art of successful trapping.

Luverne was a terrific father but beamed with pride of being a grandfather - his greatest joy. He always looked forward to his grandchildren’s visits, and when they were younger, he loved to take them driving on the backroads and prairie trails in search of adventure and to see who, at the end of the day, could tell the “biggest” story.

Through his attendance at many cattle and auction sales, Luverne met a lot of people, some of those becoming lifelong friends. He was a devoted friend and neighbor who would sacrifice his timely crop harvest so that his neighbors in need could have a successful harvest themselves.

Luverne retired from farming in 2011 and most recently sold his cattle last fall. He lived a life of fruition through hard work and dedication. He was a humble man with a great demeanor and an interesting and well-rounded character.

Luverne will be dearly missed by his wife, his children, Janel (Rick) Harrington, Carrington; Julie (the late Keith) Peterson, Robinson; Michael (Stacey) Gussiaas, New Rockford; Becki (Jeff) Wolf, Robinson; and Joel (Marvae) Gussiaas, New Rockford; his 13 grandchildren, Shane Harrington, Dustin Peterson (Krissy Clark), Darin Peterson (Cally Musland), Nellie (Mike) Wachter, Christopher (Alicia) Gussiaas, Brandon Gussiaas, Jackson Wolf, Dalton and Jessica Gussiaas, Taustin (Julie) Harrington, Tayler and Taysha Harrington; great grandson, Dylan Peterson; three siblings, Henry (Phyllis) Gussiaas, Mabel (Daris) Bittner and Judy Swanson. 

VIGIL SERVICE:

Thursday at 7PM in Evans Funeral Home, Cgtn

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL:

Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Carrington, ND

DATE AND TIME:

Friday, November 14, 2014 at 10:30AM

BURIAL:

Carrington Cemetery