Fern Gustafson

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Fern Gustafson, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Fern lived a life of love, faith, and dedication. She grew up in Rock Island, IL, moved to California after getting married, moved back to Rock Island in 1970, then later to Coal Valley, IL, where she built many cherished memories.

A memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall (2726 9th St. Rock Island, IL), at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024, to celebrate Fern’s life and legacy. Visitation will be at Kingdom Hall one hour prior to services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jehovah’s Witnesses at donate.jw.org.

On June 22, 1957, Fern married her beloved husband, Alan Gustafson, sharing a beautiful life together until Alan’s passing in 2015. A loving mother, Fern devoted herself to raising her children and caring for her household, was a wonderful cook, homemaker, and enjoyed entertaining. After her children were grown, Fern went back to school to study medical transcription, retiring at the age of 75.

Fern also worked at MGM early in her life. She had a deep love for music, playing the piano beautifully, even at the congregation meetings, a gift she shared with family and friends.

As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, she was baptized July 31, 1964, when she was five months pregnant with Mark. Fern spent many years teaching others about the Bible, also spent eight years in the full-time ministry helping others gain an appreciation for what Jehovah and Jesus have done.

She enjoyed entertaining many, including traveling ministers and enjoyed hosting congregation Bible studies in her home. She supported many in the theocratic assignments and left a lasting spiritual legacy. She also cherished the close bond she had with her sister Pat and her nieces and nephews, Monte, Kirk, Dawn, Liesa, in California, whom she affectionately referred to as the “California Gang”.

Later in life she went to college for medical transcription and graduated in 1999. She enjoyed working for Dr. Domingo.

She is survived by her children, Kim (Jim) Thiergart of Coal Valley and Mark (Phyllis) Gustafson of Wallkill, NY, and grandson, Brandon (Meredith) Thiergart of St Louis, MO.

Fern was preceded in death by her parents Amos and Mabel Fuller, her husband Alan, sister Pat, and brother Jimmy.

Fern’s love of Jehovah, family, and music will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by family and friends alike.

The family would also like to thank Dr. Nicole Chickris, Dr. James Sales, and Moline Compassus for their care.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.