Gustafson, Betty Lou (nee Erickson)

June 8, 1928 – April 25, 2012
Age 83 of Eagan, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and sister, died peacefully on Apr. 25, 2012. The youngest of six children, Betty was born in St. Peter on June 8th, 1928 to Isaac and Martha (Ziebarth) Erickson. After graduating from high school in 1946, Betty married the love of her life, Dave Gustafson, on January 18, 1948. They were married for a remarkable 64 years. While raising four boys Betty worked at Control Data Corp. for many years. After retirement, she spent her remaining years doing what gave her the most joy – spending time with family and friends. A lover of animals, especially her dogs, Betty enjoyed long walks with Max, her latest canine companion. Her other interests included cooking, traveling, antiquing, and garage saling. Betty was devoted to her husband as well as her children and grandchildren. Betty has been a gift to her family and friends and will be sorely missed. Betty is survived by her loving family: husband, Dave; sons, Steve of Eagan, Bill (Jeanne) of Phoenix, AZ, Gary (Sue) of Rochester, NY and Jim of Plymouth; brother, Ray Erickson of Salem, OR; grandchildren, Anna, Sam, Joe, Gabe, Erin, Xeni, and Kaia; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, her sister, Mildred Stotz, and three brothers: Glen, Robert, and Richard Erickson. A special thanks for the extraordinary care and compassion given Betty by the staffs of Odyssey Hospice of Las Vegas and The Lodge on Summit Oaks of Burnsville. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 5th at 11:00 AM at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley, MN 55124. Visitation with friends and relatives will be from 9:30 – 11:00 AM, before the memorial service. Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite animal shelter.