Shirley E. Gustafson

Shirley Edna Gustafson age 86, of West St. Paul, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2019. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Edna Sterlinske of Ripon, WI, and cousin, Evelyn. Survived by husband, Russell; children, Mark (Wendi) of Seguin, TX, Craig (Debra) of Cottage Grove, MN, Jody (Daniel Trampf) of Sun Prairie, WI; grandchildren, Kiersten, Benjamin, Andrew, Natalie, and a grandson expected in December. Shirley grew up in Ripon, WI and attended Ripon High School and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where she received a B.A. in elementary education. She taught 5th and 6th grades at Howell Elementary in Racine, WI and at Sidney Pratt Elementary in Minneapolis, MN. Russ and Shirley met through the University of Life program at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church and were married for 56 years. She enjoyed spending time with Russ, their kids and grandkids, spending winters on the Gulf Coast of Texas, biking, canoeing, camping and RVing in national and state parks, attending events at Koinonia Retreat Center, and traveling to Europe. A highlight of her travels was a trip to Europe with her church group that worked on the rebuilding of a Methodist church in Ried, Austria, in the aftermath of the destruction of World War II. Her love of travel opened up a whole new world for Russ and inspired countless family trips over the years. Shirley sang in the Hennepin Church Choir for 38 years and played clarinet in the Seward Community Band and the Calhoun-Isles Community Band. She was an active volunteer for the West St. Paul school district, where her children attended school. Shirley devoted her life to her family, her church, and her community. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. Memorial Service 12:00 p.m. Friday, September 20th at the Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Ave., Minneapolis. A visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at church (11 a.m.-12 p.m.) A private graveside service has been held at the Stanton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the music ministry of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church. Memorial Service 12:00 p.m. Friday September 20th at the Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Ave., Minneapolis. A visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at church (11 a.m.-12 p.m.) A private graveside service has been held at the Stanton Cemetery.