Dennis A. Gaustad

June 16, 1945 - May 14, 2015

Dennis A. Gaustad, 69, of Sunny Valley, Oregon, and formerly of Spring Grove, Minnesota, died May 14, 2015, after a year-long battle with a very rare, highly aggressive cancer, called Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma. When diagnosed he was told he had only weeks to live. Dennis survived many months instead, defying the statistics. His legacy is one of courage and determination in the face of his illness. He was born June 16, 1945, to Arnold and Irene (Skauge) Gaustad of Spring Grove, Minnesota, and was baptized and confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in Black Hammer. He grew up on the family farm in Black Hammer, and attended country school there with his sisters and brother. His youth was spent working on the farm, playing softball, fishing, hiking, and deer hunting, including with a bow and arrow. He graduated from Spring Grove High School in 1963, after which he joined the Army Reserves. Later he was engaged in farming. He was an excellent carpenter and worked as a contractor with his father and brother, building several houses in LaCrescent and LaCrosse, Wisconsin. He continued his education in California, where he attended the College of San Mateo for two years. Dennis had an unwavering dedication to a healthy lifestyle. He was an avid runner, trained in karate, judo, and bodybuilding, with a lifelong focus on healthy eating. Dennis owned and operated the Lion's Den in Spring Grove from 1976 to 1992, which he purchased from his brother Arnie. He proudly sponsored a softball team which won several championships. His patrons also enjoyed pool and foosball tournaments, for which they won many trophies. He moved to Sunny Valley, Oregon, in 1992, where he was co-creator of the Applegate Trail Interpretive Center, along with his sister, Betty, and his niece, Jacque, constructing the building and the innovative displays, and guiding tours through the historic museum. He provided information and education to anyone who wished to learn the area's history. Dennis is survived by four sisters, Betty Gaustad of Sunny Valley, Oregon, Barbara Price of Menlo Park, California, Bonnie Myhre of Fountain Hills, Arizona, Linda Gaustad of Issaquah, Washington, and one brother, Arnie Gaustad of LaCrescent, Minnesota. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Jacquelana VanDeWalker, Danica Myhre, Logan Price, Nathan Gaustad, and Tiffany Gaustad, and one adorable grandniece, Chloe VanDeWalker. He is preceded in death by his parents, Arnold Gaustad and Irene Gaustad, and a sister, Angeline Gaustad. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to the International Thyroid Oncology Group, at www.ITOG.org/donation or by mail at Treasurer, ITOG, P.O. Box 270, Yorkville, NY 13495. Even though he is gone from us, Dennis will live forever in our hearts, thoughts, and lives. We will love and miss him always.