Shirley Gustafson

June 26, 1932 - March 1, 2021

Shirley A. Gustafson, age 88, of Alta, Iowa died Monday, March 1, 2021 at Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake. Funeral services will take place Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alta where masks and social distancing will be required. To watch the live stream, click on the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88127399743?pwd=cUlQY3liT0JUMk1lZ0Z3a292eVcxQT09 and enter the password: funeral. Burial will be in the Scandinavian Cemetery in Alta. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Alta is in charge of the arrangements. Shirley Ann Jensen was born June 26, 1932 in Alta, Iowa the daughter of Anton and Myrtle (Havens) Jensen. Growing up, she attended school in rural Alta where she graduated from Highview in 1949. Following high school graduation, Shirley worked for Dr. Noble in Alta. On September 22, 1952, Shirley was united in marriage to John Rune Gustafson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alta. Together, they were blessed with three children: Runae, Linda and David. Shirley not only was a homemaker and helped on the farm, but she worked outside of the home for Dr. Shea and Vision Care Associates in Storm Lake before retiring. In her spare time, she loved playing cards and was a member of a couple of card clubs. She was also a member of a garden club and enjoyed putting together flower arrangements. She was a great cook and decorator. Traveling was a favorite pastime of Shirley’s and she was especially fond of a trip to Sweden. She also enjoyed going for drives with her husband, Rune. Shirley was kind and caring and enjoyed hosting for family and friends. Family was very important to Shirley and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Those left to cherish her memory include her children Runae (Ervin) Brake of Alta, Iowa; Linda (Rodney) Petersen of Holstein, Iowa; David (Audrey) Gustafson of Aurelia, Iowa; grandchildren: Alicia (Michael) Bittner; Kristine (Scott) Huegel; Melissa (Brian) Reiling; Rebecca (Jeremy) Langner; Neil (Nichole) Gustafson; Tyler Gustafson; Keith Gustafson; Tonya Petersen Hinners; great grandchildren: Jaxon, Raelyn and Tate Huegel; Nathan and Brooke Reiling; Erika, Brett and Brendon Petersen; Matthew, Cole and Reeve Langner; Nolyn, Noah and Nox Gustafson; sister-in-law, Juanita Jensen of Oakhurst, California; extended family and friends. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Rune Gustafson; parents, Anton and Myrtle Jensen; stepfather, Earl Brock; grandson, Joshua Petersen; infant brother, Paul; and brother, Gordon Jensen.