Louise M. Gustafson

Louise Mathilda Gustafson, 102, Red Wing, died Thursday, May 27, 2010 at Fairview Seminary Home. She was born January 3, 1908 in Spring Valley, WI, the youngest of 8 children born to Johann and Hannah (Olson) Aamodt. She grew up on a farm, attended school in Spring Valley and graduated from high school in 1927. She worked at the Ellsworth Hospital until her marriage to Paul Gustafson on July 3, 1937 at the Gilman Lutheran Church near Spring Valley. The couple made their home on and worked the family farm. Louise was a caring, compassionate person who cared for many friends and neighbors. After Paul's death Louise made her home with the Lynum family in Red Wing and then in Eau Claire, WI, caring for Mrs. Lynum during her declining years. Following Mrs. Lynum's death, Louise continued working as a housekeeper for Reuben Lynum. She has been a resident of Fairview Seminary Home for the past 7 years. She enjoyed knitting mittens and making quilts for many children, and she enjoyed baking.

Survivors include her two daughters: Dorothy Eckblad of Red Wing and Judy Banitt of Cannon Falls; four grandchildren: Kevin Eckblad, Roxanne Bartell, Rita Vangsness, Kendra (Jeff) Shaw; six great-grandchildren: William Shaw, Emma Vangsness, Paul Eckblad, Hannah Eckblad, Harlan Shaw, David Eckblad; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, seven siblings, two sons-in-law: Dale Eckblad and Howard Banitt and one granddaughter, Tracy Wilson.

A Celebration of Life will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 1, 2010, at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel with Reverend Kristen Schlauderaff officiating. Honorary Bearers will be Louise's great-grandchildren. Private family burial will be in Bethel Covenant Cemetery. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials are preferred to Fairview Seminary Home.