Dorothy Louise Gustafson

Dorothy Louise Johnson was born on July 14,1924, in Stromsburg, Nebraska, to Charles S.F. Johnson & Minnie Louise (Swanberg) Johnson. She grew up on the farm with her two younger brothers, Carl and Richard. Dorothy often said how grateful she was to be raised in a happy, loving, Christian home. Speaking only Swedish, she went to the one room country school near their farm as the only child in her grade! Her mother was her first piano teacher, which began her life-long love of music. After graduating 8th grade, she attended Stromsburg High School. Dorothy was a good student, but also had a lot of fun, in fact, she was a lunchtime ping pong champion. Upon completing high school she moved to Moline, Illinois, to work as an executive secretary. She met and made special friends during this time, and had her fill of “all you can eat spaghetti” dinners for a quarter! Eventually there was an opening in Dr. Anderson’s Stromsburg office, Dorothy got the job and became his office-trained “nurse.” She was glad she did, as this was where she and Doyle met. He pursued her for 3 years, and they were married on September2nd, 1950. Moving to Lincoln, Dorothy secured a position at another doctor’s office while they both worked on their degrees; Doyle, his D.D.S., and Dorothy, her P.H.T. (Put Husband Through). They started a family before they finished those degrees! After graduation, they moved to Omaha where they began their dental practice and eventually completed their family. Dorothy worked alongside Doyle as a receptionist and dental assistant in the early years. All through his career, Dorothy partnered with Doyle doing book-keeping, pay-roll, office interior design and whatever was needed. She also had a gift of making office staff feel supported and appreciated through personal touches and holiday celebrations. All of this while expertly managing family, hearth and home. They raised their five children, attended and served at their churches, Bethany Baptist and most recently Christ Community Church. Dorothy was willing to serve in many capacities; Sunday school teacher, organist, choir member, deaconess, and various other ministries, etc. Dorothy was a devoted wife to her best friend, Doyle, a compassionate and caring mother, grandmother and great grandmother, a dear sister, sister-in-law and aunt, and a good friend to many. Dorothy had a heart for the Lord, and this love for Him was most exceptionally modeled to others through her gift of warm hospitality! Dorothy Louise Gustafson went home to be with her Savior on February 28th, 2021. She will be missed by her five children: Daniel Gustafson (Jennifer) of Omaha, NE; Christine Butler (John) of Springfield, MO; Becky Kerns (Steve) of Houston, TX; Deborah Carlson (Paul) of Richfield, MN; and Elise Pavelka (Lee) of Wichita, KS.Thirteen grandchildren: Amanda (Kody) Unstad, Abby (Marcus) Pospisil, Eric (Amber) Gustafson, Ellie Butler, Marshall (Dakota) Kerns, Matthew (Sarah) Kerns, Hannah (Nathan) Holm, Sam Carlson, Emma Carlson, Caleb Carlson, Grace (Will) Stern, Megan Pavelka, Emily Pavelka and thirteen great grandchildren. Brothers: Carl Johnson (Lottie) and Richard Johnson (Nancy) both of Stromsburg, NE, and special cousins Annette Lindberg and Donna Bergman, and many loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving parents and dear husband Doyle D. Gustafson, of almost 67 years. Family asks donations be made to the following charities. More information is provided further down this page.