Catherine A. Gustafson Obituary
(nee Appell) Of Menomonee Falls. Born May 5, 1926. Went Home to her Lord on February 10, 2025 at the age of 98. Beloved wife of the late Albert G. Gustafson, whom she married in Des Moines, IA and were together 35 years. Loving mother of Phil Gustafson (Jane Heinz), Carol Smatlak (Gary Ostrander) and Lynn (Jon) Gabe. Cherished grandmother of Robert Smatlak (Sarah Katsandonis), Allison Smatlak and Mary (Nick) Yeh. Proud great-grandmother of Quinn, Zoe and Elliott. Further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Catherine was the youngest of 8 children born to Otto and Martha Appell of Des Moine, IA. She loved her family and her church. She was always asking questions. She loved to watch tennis, golf, baseball, basketball and football games on TV. She was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Menomonee Falls, WI for 60 + years.
Catherine was a proud, feisty, and spirited woman who never gave up on life. She enjoyed her last few years at Heartis Village North Shore in Glendale playing bingo, walking around to strike up a conversation with anyone, sitting outside with the sun on her face, tending her tomato plants and watching the birds in her birdbath. Thank you to all the caregivers at Heartis Village North Shore who helped her with a kind, compassionate heart.
A special thanks to St. Croix Hospice caregivers who gave her comfort and peace in her final days. To the nurses (Amelia and Leah) who watched over her, the volunteer who came to visit with her, to the chaplain who prayed with her and to her caregiver Nikki who would stop by to say hello, eat custard with her and called her "Princess Grandma" – we say thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 26 from 10:30AM until time of Memorial Service at 12PM at Holy Cross Lutheran Church; W156 N8131 Pilgrim Rd., Menomonee Falls. Memorials in Catherine's name to the Church are greatly appreciated.
Visitation Wednesday, February 26, 2025 10:30 AM - Noon Holy Cross Lutheran Church W156N8185 Pilgrim Rd Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 Phone: (262) 251-2740.
