Jane Gustafson

Jane Ellen Gustafson 1944-2018

Survived by her husband of nearly 30 years, Glen S. Gustafson, Jane enjoyed life on and around Pelican Lake in Merrifield, MN. Through family and friends were everything to her, Jane also loved traveling and reading books. Here’s a glimpse of her life story.

On the summer solstice of 1944, Jane Ellen Johnson was born in Milwaukee to loving parents, Jim and Jane Johnson, who have already traveled beyond this world. Jane was the first of 9 children, including Craig (Karen) and Phil (Toni) Johnson who are now deceased, and Randy (Patty), Karen (David Pressley), Scott (Liz), Gary, Todd (Judy deceased), and Erik (Dana) Johnson. School was a t DSHA in Elm Grove, WI (1958-1962).

When it was time for college, Jane attended UW-Madison, where she studied sociology, enjoyed Greek life, and soon fell in love.

Jane left school in 1964 to marry (John B. Winston) and start a life in Minneapolis and later Edina with their children Caroline (Daniel Life), Elizabeth (David Collins), and Phillip (Kelly) Winston.

An energetic volunteer, Jane’s early service included the Pinocchio Chapter of Children’s Health Center and Junior League of Minneapolis, as well as membership in the Minneapolis Women’s Rotary and the Woman’s Club.

Jane received a B.A. in communications from Metro State University in 1984 and completed a Bush Fellowship; in 1990. The first 9 years of her career were at MEDA. Jane helped launch the Women’s Business Development Center-Minnesota, served on many professional and volunteer boards, and received many awards including the NAWBO Women’s Leadership Award in 2002. She led supplier diversity programs for Pillsbury, ING, and several consultancies, retiring in 2013. Connecting people to business opportunities is what Jane did best professionally.

In 1987, Jane met Glen Gustafson. In this second marriage for each, Jane and Glen flourished and built many friendships in the Twin Cities and at the lake. Jane is also survived by Glen’s daughter, Christi( Chris Gohl), and Glen’s siblings, Wayne (Linda) Gustafson and Barb (Bruce) Kusske. She was adored by her large family that included 4 grandchildren (Jack Collins, Caroline Ofenstein, Conor Gohl, Cory Gohl), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

In recent years, Jane joined the Breezy Point Women’s Club where she served last year as president. She was a member of the Nisswa Women’s Club and Kinship Partners, through which she mentored a young woman who meant a great deal to her. She enjoyed Unlimited Learning, Great Decisions, and volunteered with her church and other organizations.

Here’s to Jane: daughter, sister, wife, mother, volunteer, business leader, mentor, and friend to so many. This is not the final chapter.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN. Donations to Kinship Partners, Inc., PO Box 642, Brainerd, MN 56401, or Immaculate Heart Church, Crosslake, MN. In lieu of flowers. A Celebration Of Life is planned for a later date.