Obituary of Frances Gustafson

Frances Gustafson, 84, Mahtowa, died Monday, June 14, 2004 in Mercy Health Care Center, Moose Lake. She was born in Braham, MN on March 6, 1920 to August and Mabel Anderson. She grew up in Mahtowa, attended Park Lake School and graduated from Barnum High School in 1938. Frances (Faye to her family) worked in Minneapolis for Shriner's Hospital and the Greyhound Bus Company before she married Clarence Gustafson on November 2, 1946, and returned to Mahtowa. Frances was a partner with Clarence in the operation of their diary farm for over 30 years of their 57year marriage. She supported his participation in the Guernsey Breeders Association, Associated Milk Producers, Inc, and Soil and Water Conservation. Together they were long time supporters of the Carlton County Fair. Frances was a very active member of the Mahtowa Covenant Church where she participated in Covenant Women's group, taught Sunday School and often provided special music for Sunday worship with her beautiful soprano voice. She was also active in Music Study Club, the Carlton County Historical Society, 4-H, Gideon's Auxiliary and the Women's Christian Temperance Union. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clarence on December 15, 2003 and an infant son and daughter. Her warmth will be missed by her many friends and family including her son, Roger (Susan) Gustafson of Mahtowa, daughter, Janet Madrigal of Minneapolis, three brothers, Paul (Myrtle) Anderson of Moose Lake, Chester (Elaine) Anderson of Barnum and Curtis (Marian) Anderson of Hastings; two grandchildren, Rachel (Marty) Nelson and Scott (Mandy) Gustafson; three great grandchildren, Madeline and Gracie Nelson and Evan Gustafson and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 17, 2004 in Mahtowa Covenant Church. Interment was in Mount Salem Cemetery, Mahtowa.