Gustafson

ElVera Albertina Marie Cronk, Farniok, Gustafson, aged 100 years, 9 months, and 2 days, passed away on April 1, 2024. She was born on June 29, 1923, to Frank and Albertina (Weege) Cronk in Rockford Township, Minnesota.

She was baptized at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran in Buffalo, Minnesota on July 22, 1923, and was later confirmed on August 30, 1936 at the Cross Lutheran Evangelical church in Rockford, Minnesota.

ElVera was united in marriage to John Farniok on June 16, 1943, until his death in 1964 and to Harold Gustafson on August 19, 1985 until his death in 2022.

ElVera worked in many different capacities, providing her talents to a variety of businesses. She initially worked on the family farm assisting her first husband John. Following John’s passing, ElVera took on a role in the molding/manufacturing department of Schaper “The Cootie Co” making toys and games. After leaving Schaper, ElVera went on to work at Lund’s Bakery making bread products for Byerly’s. She officially retired in June of 1985.

ElVera enjoyed doing embroidery, her flower gardens, Word Find books, playing games, and going with Les and Saron to grandchildren’s hockey, soccer, basketball, baseball, school music concerts, and many events this past year. She loved all the special visits from great grandchildren, family, and friends while in rehabilitation at Park View Senior Center in Buffalo, MN.

She was a faithful member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Watertown, Minnesota.

Preceded in death by her husbands John Farniok and Harold Gustafson; daughter Nancy Green; son-in-law Francis Green; and many relatives and friends.

Survived by her daughter Sharon (Les) Bartos; grandchildren Chris Bartos, Melissa Vik, Jill (Brian) Officer, Amanda (David) Czepa, Susan Heinen (and friend Tom), John Green, and Barb Lindquist. 7 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral Service was at 11:30 AM on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Watertown, Minnesota. Visitation was held prior from 10-11:30 AM at the church. A luncheon immediately followed the service. Interment was in Crawford Lake Cemetery, Buffalo, Minnesota.