Karin Mary Gustine

Karin Gustine, 82, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on July 9, 2021. Born November 28, 1938 in Highland Park, MI to Lemuel and Mable (Johnson) Allen, Karin attended Pershing High School in Detroit and proved to be a leader in many activities, serving on the Student Council, as a member of the choir and a cheerleader. She also was an active member of the Mt. Zion Lutheran Church youth group and a Fashionette at the J.L. Hudson Company both in Detroit.

A lifelong Wolverine, Karin attended the University of Michigan, earning a BS in Natural Science with a teaching certificate. It was here where she met her husband Robert who she wed on June 8, 1963. She was always proud that she set the curve in her chemistry class before graduating in three and a half years and then continuing on to earn her Master’s in Education. She was active on campus, serving on the Executive Board of the Women’s League and as a member of Delta Gamma sorority. She enjoyed a lifelong affiliation with the DGs, serving on the board and as House Corporation President at the U of M chapter for many years.

Karin taught elementary school in Grosse Pointe and Ann Arbor before retiring to raise her family in Ann Arbor. She was an accomplished seamstress and even taught reupholstery in Community Education classes. Karin’s spirit of volunteerism stayed strong through the years as she supported the March of Dimes, Zion Lutheran Church as well as numerous school organizations. She enjoyed golfing and was a member of Barton Hills CC. During the four years the family lived on Sandusky Bay in Ohio, Karin and Bob became boaters and loved to spend Sunday afternoons fishing on Lake Erie. Eleven years after returning to Ann Arbor, they moved to Silver Lake in South Lyon in 1993. This love of the water continued and they bought a beach home in Vero Beach, FL. As a ‘snow bird’ for the past 22 years, Karin loved to host family and friends escaping the Michigan winters. The Jenny Lind Club which celebrated her Swedish heritage was special to her.

Karin was preceded in death by her husband and parents. She is survived by her sister Sigrid (Kent) Carpenter, two daughters, Jane (John) Ashby and Jill Gustine, and five grandchildren Tate Gustine and Andrew, Emily, Sarah and Christopher Ashby, who affectionately called her Da. Visitation will be held at Muehlig Funeral Chapel 401 S 4th Ave, Ann Arbor on July 16 from 5-8 pm. A memorial service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W Liberty, Ann Arbor on July 17 at 11 am, with a luncheon to follow. Memorial contributions can be made to St, Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Habitat for Humanity, two organizations Karin supported in life.