Joan Gustafson

Joan Gustafson, age 90, of Kalamazoo passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 18. She was born in Dexter, Michigan on the family farm. Joan attended country school until 9th grade, then moved to Dearborn with her aunt to attend Fordson High School. She graduated in 1946, earning a full tuition scholarship to Western Michigan College. During her freshman year she met a wonderful man, just returning from the war. That handsome, young man and Joan recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary! Joan was very active in many school, church, and social organizations throughout her life. She had a strong faith in God, was an avid reader and was known for her artistic and creative talents. Above all, she loved her family. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, LaVern and Merl Coy, a brother Dean and sister Carolyn Ann. Surviving her are her loving husband, Bob, four daughters, Cheryl (Jim) Middleton, SueAnn (Arthur) Bombrys, Corinne (Kevin) Hall, Julie (Bruce) Ermatinger, six grandchildren, Courtney Rizzo, Amy Matajcek, Shana Bombrys, Nathan Bombrys, Alex Ermatinger, Andrew Ermatinger, six great grandchildren, her sister, Audrey Barrows of California, and brother Ed (Fran) Coy of Dexter. A celebration of Joan's life will take place at First Congregational Church downtown Kalamazoo, Saturday, February 24 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Great Lakes Hospice, First Congregational Church in Kalamazoo or West Michigan Cancer Center.