Ruth Marie Gustafson

Ruth Marie Gustafson, passed away on Sunday, September 5, 2021, at the age of 92.  She was born in Peshtigo on April 2, 1929, to Joseph and Emily (Rubens) Dhuey.  She graduated from Peshtigo High School in 1947 and worked in the offices at Badger Paper Mill until she married.  In 1965, the family moved to Green Bay. Shortly thereafter Ruth returned to the workforce, doing secretarial work at several local businesses before spending her last 25 years at UWGB.   

Throughout her life Ruth wore many hats: nurturer, mentor, breadwinner, and advocate to name a few.  She was never too busy to give an opinion or a nudge in the right direction.  In her free time and especially in retirement, Ruth enjoyed reading, trying new recipes, and playing cards.  She was a fan of the Packers, Brewers, Bucks, and Badgers.  She had a green thumb and spent many hours outside keeping her yard and gardens blooming and beautiful.  Her happiest memories were of times spent with her family, especially when everyone could be home at the same time.   

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Linda (William) Kowalski and son, Gary (Mary) Gustafson; grandchildren, Melanie (Justin) Cassetty, Paul Kowalski, Elise (Mark) McDonald, Byron Kowalski, and David (Katelyn) Gustafson; four great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Sharon (Ronald) Dhuey, and nieces and nephews.   

She was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings, Dorothy Anderson, Evelyn (Robert) Bloch, Joseph (Anne) Dhuey, Donald Dhuey, Francis Dhuey, and Ronald Dhuey; two nieces and one nephew. In addition, she was preceded by her ex-husband, Linwood Gustafson, her in-laws, Olaf and Emma Gustafson; brother- in- law, Donald Gustafson and sister- in- law, Carol Scheldt.   

Visitation will be held at Resurrection Catholic Church in Allouez on Friday, September 24, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. with Father Tom Reynebeau officiating.  Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Peshtigo.