Gladys Arlene Gustafson

Gladys Arlene Gustafson, 98, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, February 18th, 2025 in the presence of her loving family. She was at the place she loved, Heritage Woods of Rockford, where she wanted to be for her final days. She was born on September 21st, 1926 in Rockford, Illinois, to Frank & Olga (Barth) Niffenegger. She was soon followed by her 2 siblings, Wilma & Frank Jr. They lived in Belvidere for a time before settling in Riley, Illinois. It was there that she met the love of her life, Wayne Gustafson. Though they lived nearby one another, they didn’t meet until high school, where they became inseparable after he asked her on their first date. They married on November 15, 1947 and settled in Marengo, Illinois, where they would spend most of their married life. Before long, they welcomed 3 children, Linda, Lee & Richard. Arlene & Wayne (“Nif & Gus” to their friends) were the proud owners and operators of the Smart Shop, a clothing boutique in Marengo. She also worked for the Marengo City Clerk’s Office, where she could work near a portrait of her father that was hung in the city offices. When they retired, Nif & Gus moved to Lakeland, Florida, along with some of their oldest friends from Marengo. After Wayne passed away, Arlene stayed in Florida with many friends, old and new, to support her. In 2018, she moved back to Rockford to stay with Richard and his wife Carol. She eventually moved into Heritage Woods, where she kept up an active social calendar and made many new friends.

Arlene was a social butterfly. She and Wayne loved to meet new people, entertain friends and family, and travel to new places. They would often spend summer days in their campers out near Fish Lake Beach, then move on to Florida for the winter months. She was an excellent cook. Arlene made everything from scratch, using recipes her mother taught her. In later years, she took a watercolor painting class, and loved it. She was a prolific painter, giving her works to family to display in their homes. Arlene was always an optimist. She would always be there to listen to whatever was on your mind. If you were happy, she would share in your joy. If you were having a hard time, she’d do everything she could to lift you up. Arlene will always be loved by those she leaves behind, and they are blessed for having known her.

Arlene will be greatly missed by her son, Richard (Carol) Gustafson; her grandchildren Heidi (David), Jeremy “JP” (Jamie), Carrie (Tim), Corey, & Todd (MK); her great-grandchildren Garrett, Carter, Grace, Abigail, Elliot, Brady, Macy, Chase, & Cal; great-great-grandchildren Weston & Warren; her sister Wilma Miller; her sister-in-law Dorothy Gustafson; and many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family members and wonderful friends.

Arlene was predeceased by her husband Wayne Gustafson; her son Lee Gustafson; her daughter Linda Gehner; her grandson Brett; her parents Frank & Olga Niffenegger; her brother Frank Niffenegger Jr.; and her parents-in-law Claire & Alvie Gustafson.

A visitation for Arlene will be held on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Marengo-Union Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM at the funeral home, followed by a graveside service at 1:30 PM at McHenry County Memorial Park.