Dorothy Mildred Gustafson, 94, died April 4, 2026. Dorothy was born in Belvidere on January 11, 1932, to Carl and Mildred (Markison) Beilke. She grew up in Genoa and Union, and graduated from Genoa Township High School.
Over the years, Dorothy worked at Lindsey's Drug Store and Soda Fountain and Amdur's Department Store in Marengo. She also served for many years as the secretary of Zion Lutheran School in Marengo, a role she carried out with steady dedication and care. She was a Mary Kay consultant for several years.
Dorothy met Maynard Gustafson as a child and later reconnected with him during their high school years. They were married on July 22, 1950, and together raised two sons, Kirk and Scott in Marengo where they resided for over 60 years.
Dorothy was devoted to her family and found joy in sewing, gardening, camping, baking and cooking, and entertaining at her home. She was a very active member at Zion Lutheran Church, especially in the Ladies' Aid and Altar Guild, and for the last 20 years she was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Belvidere.
In recent years, Dorothy was a resident of Barb City Manor in DeKalb, Heritage Woods in Belvidere, and Alpine Fireside in Rockford.
Dorothy will be greatly missed by her sons, Kirk (Donna) Gustafson and Scott (Patricia) Gustafson; grandchildren, Taylor (Katelyn) Gustafson, Abby (Derek) Lee, Karl Gustafson; great-grandchildren, Mavis, Graham, Cooper; and her sister, Elaine Barry.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and her brother, Richard Beilke.
There will be a visitation from 9:30am to 11am on Friday, April 10 at Zion Lutheran Church, 408 Jackson St, Marengo. The funeral service will be at 11am.
Interment in Marengo City Cemetery will be private for the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church in Marengo, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Belvidere, or Rockford Rescue Mission.
