Gasper "Gus" Campo Jr.

Gasper Gus Campo, Jr., 93, of Great Falls, a retired Master Sergeant, died of natural causes at Benefis Peace Hospice on Sunday, March 16, 2014.A private family memorial service with military honors will take place later this summer at Highland Veterans cemetery. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Schnider Funeral Home.Gus was born in Brooklyn, New York on November 11, 1920 to Fillipa (Meanno) and Gasper Campo. Gasper was the fourth child.While growing up in Brooklyn, Gus sold newspapers on the street corners. In 1941 he graduated from Manhattan High School of Aviation with a diploma of aircraft maintenance. He joined the US Army Air Corps that later became known as the US Air Force in September 1942. Gus was stationed in Okinawa where he received the American Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. In October 1948, Gus joined the Montana Air National Guard in Great Falls.He met and married Nadina M Divoshak, they later divorced. In December 1973 he married Elizabeth Morgan.Gus really enjoyed sports, hunting, fishing, bowling, and playing pool. He also coached girls softball, having his girls take state championship one year. He cut hair for many years in the guard, he was also an accomplished ballroom dancer, and loved to dance. He was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church. He was a dishwasher at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp along with his wife Liz, who was the camp nurse.After retiring from the Montana Air National Guard in 1980, serving 37 years, Gus volunteered at St. Vincent DePauls, FISH, and Cambridge Court.Gus loved God, Country, and family. He was proud being in the Air National Guard where he received the Distinguished Service Medal and never missed a funeral of a fellow guardsman. Last year Gus received his 50 years pin from the American Legion, and an award for donating ten gallons of blood.Many times Gus was asked if he was an Italian, he would reply I am an American of Italian descent.He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; brother Rudolph of NY; children, Sandy (Jack) McCoy of Billings, Roxie (Albert) Davis of Proctorsville, VT, Anthony Tony Campo of Los Angeles, CA; stepchildren, Don Morgan of Helena, Lynn (Roy) Tong of Plentywood, Joyce (Tim) Wright of Mountain Home, ID, Mark (Dawn) Morgan East Helena; 19 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 3 great great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.Gus was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Vincent, Salvatore, and Vito.Heartfelt thanks goes to Dr. John Molloy and nurse, Jan; as well as Donna Hoff, Audrey, and staff at Peace Hospice and all the wonderful people from our church family.Memorials are suggested by the family to St. Johns Lutheran Church, 5500 9th St S, Great Falls, Montana 59405.