Emma Gustad

Emma Johanna Gustad was born on March 8, 1908 in Jeffers, the daughter of Edward and Marie (Becker) Bartz. She grew up in Highmore where she completed country school. Emma did housekeeping for several families in the area. She was united in marriage to Haakon Gustad on October 10, 1936 and four children were born into this union. They couple farmed and milked cows. Emma worked for George Gram and the Storden Caf as a cook and later she worked the night shift at Campbell's Soup where she worked for several years. After her husband died in December of 1982, Emma remained on the farm for almost two years before moving into Westbrook. Her hobbies were gardening and bowling, which she did until she was 95 years old. Her happy years were going on trips to Samoa, Panama Canal and Hawaii where Emma spent her 90th birthday in Lulau. She loved trying new things; she drove a Jet Ski and was given a ride on a motorcycle by her grandson. She was a good horse back rider and went on several trail rides and belonged to the Old Green Hills Saddle Club. Emma and her friends would enjoy putting on plays together. Emma died on Thursday, December 10, 2009 at her home with her daughter in rural Jeffers at the age of 101 years old. She is survived by her children - Dennis Gustad of Luverne, Dale and wife Sandra Gustad of Lamberton, Donna Swenson of Jeffers, and Delores and husband Donald Ewy of Westbrook; 10 grandchildren; 2 step grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren;a great great grandchild; a sister Marie Ott of Hubbard, IA; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband - Haakon; a son-in-law - Leonard Swenson; a grandson-in-law - Garrett; and 6 sisters.