"Helene's parents were our neighbors as I was growing up and she was a nurse for several family members hospitalized in Keokuk. We were very fond of her and of her siblings. My sympathy to all of you. Del Disselhorst Iowa City Prof.of Music/Univ.of Iowa"
In loving memory of
Helene Gustafson
January 9, 2007
Helene M. Gustafson, 92, of Keenesburg, Colorado, formerly of Keokuk, Iowa, died Tuesday, January 9, 2007, in Greeley, Colorado.
Mrs. Gustafson was born May 20, 1914, in Warsaw, Illinois, the daughter of Albert and Lizzie Reuter Frank. She married Elmer L. Gustafson on March 28, 1936 at First Lutheran Church in Keokuk, Iowa. He preceded her in death on November 29, 2005.
Mrs. Gustafson lived most of her life in the Warsaw and Keokuk area, moving to Colorado 2 ½ years ago. She was a nurse and worked at St. Joseph Hospital and Graham Hospital in Keokuk, and Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Keokuk, was president of the Purple Circle in 1951, was a member of Esther Circle, LCA, Women's Group, and the quilting group at the church. She was a past member of the Moose and Eagle ladies' groups in Keokuk. During World War II she taught home nursing skills and worked for the American Red Cross. She also worked for the American Red Cross following the Keokuk armory explosion. She enjoyed leathercraft, sewing, and making patterns for her own clothing.
She is survived by a daughter, Carolyn Geisler and her husband, Raymond, of Keenesburg, Colorado; two granddaughters, Diana Sayre of Fresno, California; Julie Colglavier of Freemont, California; a sister, Hennie Merrow and her husband, Penny, of Deland, Florida; several nieces and nephews including, Joyce & Duane Taylor of Warsaw, Illinois; Frank Apple of Marion, Iowa; Ron Apple and his wife, Jenny, of Louisville, Kentucky; Dennis Apple of California; Scott Merrow and his wife, Terry, of Aurora, Illinois; Cousins including Margaret Reuter of Warsaw, Illinois; Cora Frazier of Warsaw, Illinois.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, and two sisters.
Funeral services were Saturday, January 20, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. at the First Lutheran Church with Reverend Terry Mahnke officiating. Burial followed at Lutheran Cemetery in Warsaw, Illinois.
Memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church in Keokuk.