Audrey Maxine Gustafson passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on November 14, 2024.
Audrey was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 4, 1935, to Arnold and Mabel Ecklund. She attended Roosevelt High School and the University of Minnesota, and later earned her Master’s in Music from the University of Michigan. She met her husband, David Gustafson, at church in July 1962, and less than six months later, they tied the knot! Together they raised 4 children, who gave them 10 grandchildren, followed by 11 great-grandchildren.
Audrey found her way to music early in life, and became a proficient pianist, organist, music teacher, and choir director. She served as organist for many years at Faith Covenant Church in Farmington Hills, Michigan. She introduced all of her children to music, and took pleasure in developing programs at church, including children’s musicals and Swedish “Lucia” events at Christmas. Her two prized pianos were given new lives with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which brought her great joy.
Together, Audrey and David learned Swedish, and put it to use hosting many Swedish relatives (some for long stretches as au pairs). They traveled to Sweden many times to explore their roots and reconnect with family there. Audrey faithfully supported David’s medical practice by serving as office manager and bookkeeper for many years. Following David’s retirement in 2002, they turned their attention to managing their beach properties in Alabama and split their time between Alabama and Michigan for the remainder of their years together. Following David’s death in 2020, Audrey remained in Michigan near family. Sadly, dementia robbed her of her freedom and necessitated a move to memory care, where she spent her last few years surrounded by family. She will be remembered as a gracious host who never missed an opportunity to send the food around the table one more time.
Audrey is survived by her children: Eric (wife Linda), Sonia (husband Rob Thomsen), John Peter, and Karin (husband Zach Walen); grandchildren: Anna (Gustafson) Wassink, John Carl Gustafson, Kirsten (Gustafson) Bowden, Karl Gustafson, Emma Thomsen, Grace Thomsen, Andrew Thomsen, Luke Thomsen, Tripp Walen, and Zoey Walen. She is also survived by her younger brother, Stanley Ecklund. Audrey will be laid to rest at David’s side in Silverhill, Alabama.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Silverhill Cemetery, in Robertsdale, Alabama. Mack Funeral Home of Robertsdale, Alabama, is entrusted with the Audrey Gustafson arrangements.
Comments