Carolyn Gustafson
June 11, 1932 — May 24, 2017
Carolyn M. Gustafson, 84, a resident of Bettendorf, passed away, Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Funeral services celebrating her life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at Bettendorf Presbyterian Church in Bettendorf. Burial will be at Davenport Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 29th at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf. Memorials may be made to Bettendorf Presbyterian Church.
Born on June 11, 1932 in Iowa City, Iowa, Carolyn was the daughter of Stephen and Gladys (Berry) Mizlo. On June 30, 1956 in Bettendorf, she married Richard Samuel “Dick” Gustafson, Jr. He preceded her in death on May 22, 1986.
Carolyn was a graduate of the LPN program at St. Thomas Mercy Hospital in Marshalltown, Iowa. Carolyn worked for 19 years with the Davenport School District in the Teen Age Parenting Program (TAPP), where she was affectionately known as “Mrs. G.” She retired in 1992. She was a member of the Pythian Sisterhood, Scottish-American Society, a former Girl Scout Leader, and a volunteer at the Col. Davenport House. Carolyn was a faithful member of Bettendorf Presbyterian Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, and Circle Leader. She was honored with the “Presbyterian Woman of the Year” award in 2013. Carolyn also won the award for most “Flavorable Apple Pie” at CASI.
Carolyn enjoyed baking, quilting, crocheting afghans, playing cards with her card clubs and great-grandchildren, and also taught many girls how to make baby blankets. To keep closer with her extended family, Carolyn joined the “Cousins Group,” meeting monthly which produced many good times.
Those left to honor her memory include her daughters, Susan (Barry) Gallagher of East Moline and Carrie (Brad) Wooldridge of Bettendorf; son, Richard “Sam” (Tania) Gustafson III of Bettendorf; grandchildren, Matt (Heidi) Erickson, Samantha Gustafson, Stephanie Gustafson and Joey Gustafson; great-granddaughters, Ella and Emma Erickson.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Edward Mizlo.