Marla Gustafson

August 20, 2017

“Jesus Loves Me, this I know….” My life journey began January 16, 1951, at the Wadena Hospital with Lyle and Gladys (Wallgren) Petersen. I grew up in rural New York Mills, with 7 siblings, experiencing lots of adventures, laughter and especially love. Growing up on the farm, I came to know the satisfaction of a hard day’s work and taught to know right from wrong at an early age. Knowing right is right even if no one else is doing it. Wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it. I embraced Jesus at a youth bible camp. It was there I realized it is God and God alone that saves you. I met my love, my best friend and fishing partner at college in Crookston, MN. Owen Gustafson and I were married on July 17, 1971. We were blessed with three children- Karie (Paul) Stewart of St. Augustine FL, Kyle (& Angie) Gustafson of Minnetrista, MN and David (& Brenda) Gustafson of Stafford, VA; our 8 grandchildren that put a sparkle in my eyes, joy in my heart , (and color drawings on my wall): Isaiah, Paige, Ella, Emme, Kyra, Halle, Connor and Freya. Our family clings to the verse, Psalms 106:1 ‘Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever.” Until forever, love Marla. (The good looking one) Marla is survived by her husband Owen Gustafson; three children Karie, Kyle and David; eight grandchildren; siblings: Warren (Eileen) Petersen of Bemidji, Wayne (Diane) Petersen of Bemidji, Carolyn (Arnold) Haman of New York Mills, JoAnn (Gerald) Haman of Bluffton, Bruce (Lori) Petersen of Little Fork, Donna (& Kevin) Gustafson of Ely, Janice (& Blaine) Blickenstaff of New York Mills; numerous nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Lyle & Gladys (Wallgren) Petersen and her grandparents.