Obituary of Kathryn Ann Gustafson

Kathryn Ann (Peterson) Gustafson, age 85, of Eden Prairie, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 1, 2023 after having suffered a prior stroke. Kathy was born October 1937 in Hallock, Minnesota. She attended Hallock public schools, Augsburg College, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Minnesota. She was married to her husband Dale Gustafson for more than 60 years.

Kathy began her career as a teacher in the Minneapolis public schools. She took time off from teaching when her children were young. She went back to school to get a certification in Special Education and began working part-time as a Special Education teacher in the Bloomington school system in the 1970s. Eventually part-time turned into full-time. She had a real passion for working with children who had learning disabilities and ended up retiring from the Bloomington public schools in 1998.

Kathy was actively involved in Bloomington Covenant Church, where she was a Sunday School teacher, served on several committees, and started a women’s mentorship program based on Proverbs 31:10-31, called Apples of Gold. She was also a trained volunteer for Stephen Ministries for many years and provided one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people in the congregation experiencing life difficulties.

Kathy was known for her hospitality. She enjoyed cooking, baking and entertaining family members and friends. She especially enjoyed making treats for her grandchildren, including her famous banana bars and lemon bars. Kathy had many friends, including her “Club” of college friends, their couple’s Bible study of 30-plus years, the Merry Makers group from Church, and friends from time spent in Florida during the winter months.

Kathy loved her family, and really enjoyed decorating and preparing her home for the holidays. She loved shopping, and especially enjoyed finding the perfect gift for others. Kathy never missed a birthday and always had a thoughtful card ready for every occasion. She found great joy attending her grandchildren’s activities and sporting events.  

Kathy is preceded in death by parents Eddie and Ellen Peterson of Hallock. She is survived by husband Dale Gustafson; children Brent (Lesley) Gustafson, Betsy (Alan) Bohlig; grandchildren Kyle (Ali), Greta, Annie, Emily, Justin, Megan; sisters Doris Ohden, Cari (Paul) Antosh, and many other family members and friends.

A visitation will be held at Bloomington Covenant Church on May 12, 2023, at 10 a.m. The funeral service will be held following visitation, at 11 a.m. For Guestbook go to: www.cremationsocietyormn.com