Helen Gustafson

Helen Gustafson died peacefully in Whitefish July 17 with her family by her side. She was one month shy of her 80th birthday and her 56th wedding anniversary.

Helen was born in Anaconda to Fred and Helen Spellman. Helen was one of eight siblings and graduated from Anaconda Central. After high school she moved to Colorado for a brief period of time.

In 1958 she met her soul mate, Dick, and moved to Georgia where her husband served in the Army. Upon completing his military service they returned to Montana where her husband continued his teaching career. In 1961 they moved to Whitefish and shortly thereafter began raising their family.

Helen loved Montana and enjoyed the outdoors. It was through these interests where she met many of her closest friends. Helen enjoyed golfing, skiing, bridge, baking and simply spending time with her family, grandchildren and friends. She was outgoing, a friend to many and a stranger to none.

She was an influence in the family as well as the classroom. After raising her children she served as a teacher’s aide for over a decade at Helena Flats. Scholastics and children were very important to her and she truly enjoyed her time in this setting and being of service to others.

Later in life her passions included community service and the church. She volunteered at the senior community center and was an active member of Saint Charles Parish. She enjoyed the regular Sunday conversations with her grandkids and the various activities they pursued.

She is survived by her husband, Dick, and their three children, Greg of Anchorage, Alaska, Glenn of Whitefish, and Gary (Ellen) of San Francisco; three grandchildren, Jack, Erik and Will; her sister, Janet of Las Vegas; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers.

A service to remember Helen will be held at 10:30 a.m. July 23 at St. Charles Parish in Whitefish. Arrangements are entrusted to Austin Funeral Home.

The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support in many heart-felt forms from too many people to name individually. A special thank you to Phyllis, Marg, Shirley, Perk and Pat who provided so much for Helen and our family.

Helen’s life and spirit can be simply summarized with this quote she read each day….

“How little it costs,

If we give it a thought,

To make happy some heart each day!

Just one kind word or tender smile

As we go on our daily way.”

Memorial donations can be made to the Whitefish Community Center at 121 E 2nd Street, Whitefish, MT 59937.