In Loving Memory
Doris J. Gustafson
March 23, 1924 - September 25, 2021

For the health and safety of her family and friends with respect to the ongoing pandemic, a funeral service will
not be held at this time. Memorials in celebration of her life may be sent to Emmetsburg First United
Methodist Church, 801 Broadway, PO Box 99, Emmetsburg, IA 50536 or Emmetsburg Public Library, 707 N.
Superior St, Emmetsburg, IA 50536.

Doris June Gustafson was born on March 23, 1924 in Charleston, Illinois. She was the daughter of Will and
Nan (Perry) Reynolds. When she was 6, she moved to a farm near Laurens, Iowa where she attended a
country school. She was baptized in the Laurens Christian Church. In 1930 the family moved into town and
Doris graduated from the Laurens Community School in 1942. She attended Iowa State Teachers' College
(now U.N.I.) at Cedar Falls. She also attended summer classes at the University of Wyoming at Laramie. She
graduated with a BA from Buena Vista University in 1966. She taught school for 30 years in Rolfe, Albert City,
Storm Lake, Laurens, and Emmetsburg.

In 1948 Doris married Earl J. Gustafson at the Christian Church in Laurens. Two sons were born to this union,
William Justus and Kim Earl. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Emmetsburg for more
than 60 years. She was a charter member of the United Methodist Women and served as its president, vice
president, and secretary for many years. As an active member of the church, she also enjoyed serving on the
mission, evangelism, and history committees for her church.

Doris was an avid reader throughout her life, particularly in her retirement years when she strived to read 200
books per year. She loved keeping in touch with her friends and family by writing letters and making phone
calls.

Doris died on September 25, 2021 at PARC Hall in Emmetsburg, IA.

Survivors include her sons William (Sharon) Gustafson of Clear Lake, Iowa and Kim (Terry) Gustafson of Elkton,
Maryland; grandchildren Ben (Jenni) Gustafson of Mason City, Iowa, Jon (Janel) Gustafson of West Des
Moines, Iowa, Erik Gustafson of Clear Lake, Iowa, Kelli (Scott) Davis of North Port, FL, and Garrett (Casandra)
Mann, serving in the Air Force in Italy; great grandchildren Alexa and Isaac Gustafson, Logan and Lincoln Davis,
and Finley and Oliver Mann; sisters-in-law Ethel Diercks of Plankinton, SD and Ardis Gustafson of Apache
Junction, AZ; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Earl, in 2004.

Her family extends sincerest gratitude to Doris' church friends who performed numerous acts of kindness. God's love truly shined through your generosity. We also give our heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and staff of Willow Ridge, Emerald Oaks, and PARC Hall for their countless
hours of selfless service and loving care they provided to Doris. We are eternally grateful for such wonderful caring folks.