Dr. James R. Gaustad

James Robert Gaustad , 87 of Grafton, North Dakota, passed away at Unity Hospital in Grafton, on Saturday, December 21. He was born on January 28, 1926, in Jamestown, North Dakota, to John G. and Frances (Hauser) Gaustad. He was their only child. He grew up in Jamestown, graduating from Jamestown High School in 1944. He was drafted into military service and honorable discharged in June of 1946. He then attended Jamestown College where he met his wife Elizabeth (Sally) Gieselman. He transferred to the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, graduating in June of 1949. He and Sally were married on September 25, 1949, in Mohall, North Dakota, and moved to Grafton to open his first optometric practice. He continued his education with post graduate work at Ohio State University, Purdue University and Indiana State University. Jim was a member of the American Optometric Association and the North Dakota Optometric Association. In 1969, he was appointed to the North Dakota State Board of Optometry by Governor Guy and continued on the board for 12 years. He was also a member of the State Board of Examiners and became involved with the International Association of Board Examiners of Optometry for 10 years. He was eventually elected President of that organization. Following his association with the International Association Board, he was appointed to the National Board of Examiners of Optometry serving on the board for 12 years and as president for three years. He was a member of the Grafton Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Grafton Chamber of Commerce, Band Boosters, Kiwanis, St. John's Men's Club, the Knights of Columbus, Lutheran Sunset Board of Directors, Unity Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors, Heritage Village Board of Directors, Grafton Hospice Organization and , Boy Scouts. He was also on the architectural committee for construction of the St. John's Catholic Church on Western Avenue and served on the Finance Council and Parish Council of St. John's Jim was an avid supporter of his children's and grandchildren's activities from concerts to plays to sporting events. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Sally) Gaustad, of Grafton, his children; Sue (Mike) Callahan of Grafton, ND; Carol (Bob-deceased) Ganser of Jamestown, ND; John (Louise) Gaustad, Vancouver, WA; Jay (Patty) Gaustad, Minneapolis, MN; Beth (Jay) Potulny, Grand Forks, ND; Gail Gaustad, Madison, WI; David (Leslie) Gaustad, Fergus Falls, MN; Mary (Sam) Mondry, Minto, ND; Dan (Stacey) Gaustad, Grafton, ND; and grandchildren: Ellie Ganser, Jonna Leighton, Robert (BJ) Gaustad, Paul Gaustad, Katie Gaustad, William (Bill) Gaustad, Kristine Gaustad, Joe Gaustad, Grant Potulny, Jayne Potulny, Ryan Potulny, Mike Gaustad, Lindsey Gaustad, TJ Gaustad, Peter Gaustad, Laura Gaustad, Andrew Mondry, Stephen Mondry, Emily Mondry, Lucas Mondry, Alex Gaustad, Brooke Gaustad, Gabbi Gaustad, Grace Gaustad and great grandchildren: Kenady, Luke and Annika Leighton, Rylee Gaustad, step great grandson, Phillip Hulbert, Damien, Liliana, Mia, Miguel, Bella Gaustad-Chavez, Jackson, Owen and Charlotte Potulny and Logan Gaustad. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, December 27, 2013 at 10: 30 A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM and Friday for one hour prior to the service, all at the church. Military rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post #41 and the North Dakota National Guard.