Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Phyllis Gustafson

TROUT CREEK, Mich. — Phyllis Gustafson, 88, of Trout Creek, passed away Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Bayside Village Nursing Home in L’Anse.

Phyllis was born in Trout Creek, on June 15, 1935, to Edward and Grace (Cronkright) Tibbits. She married her high school sweetheart, Ralph Gustafson, on Oct. 10, 1954, and they made their home in North Agate, where they raised their four children.

Phyllis worked for the Ewen-Trout Creek School District as a teacher’s aide and retired after 29 years of dedicated service.

Phyllis was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, where she served on the council board, women’s guild and was the church treasurer. She also taught Sunday school and Bible school for many years. She was actively involved with many church functions.

She enjoyed camping, bowling and was always ready to go out for lunch with her friends. Her most enjoyment was playing games with her children and grandchildren.

Phyllis is survived by three sons, David “Bo,” Roger and Steve (Char); a daughter, Lori (Dennis) Lannet; eight grandchildren, Jamie, Jennifer, Andrew (Kara), Mary, Eli, Allison (Garrett), Justin (Kristin) and Thomas (Taylor); eight great-grandchildren; her brother-in-law, Gary (Deborah) Gustafson; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Carr and Julia Gustafson; and a niece and two nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph, in 2002; her brother-in-law, William Gustafson; a niece, Stacey Gustafson; and a good friend, John Kaare.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 29, at 11 a.m. EDT, preceded by visitation at 10 a.m. EDT, at the Trinity Community Church in Trout Creek, with the Rev. Bill Jacobson officiating.

A committal service and interment will follow at the Agate Cemetery.

Luncheon will be served at the American Legion in Trout Creek immediately upon return from the cemetery.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with their arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.