Ann Gustafson 06/14/2026

Anna Marie (Ann) Gustafson (nee Hertel) of River Falls, WI, passed away peacefully and comfortably on June 14, 2026, at Artis Senior Living in Woodbury, MN.

Ann was born September 5, 1943, in Willmar, Minnesota, and grew up in Olivia, Minnesota. She went to St. Paul, MN to attend Macalester College and attain her Social Work Degree. While at college through mutual friends, she met her husband, Bob. They moved to River Falls, WI where they lived for over 50 years. She was a loving wife, mother of three great boys and grandmother of six.

She put her Social Work Degree to work at Pierce and St. Croix Counties as a Victim Witness Coordinator helping many in their most difficult life experiences. She brought her experience and passion for victims and women’s rights to her many volunteer efforts as well. Service to others led her to be a leader of many women’s organizations and to help start organizations to further advocate for and support victim’s rights.

The Church was also a very important part of Ann’s life. She was involved in many committees at the Congregational Church, but her true love was music – singing in the Choir and ringing those bells!

Preceded in death by her husband Bob of 53 years; parents, Milton and Leona (Welk) Hertel; brother Milton Hertel and infant twin siblings. Survived by sons Todd (Barb) Gustafson, Brent (Trina) Gustafson, Kyle (Betty) Gustafson; grandchildren Ryan, Sara, Andy, Evan, Jack, and Louie.

A service celebrating Ann’s life will be on Monday, June 29, 2026 at 11 am at the First Congregational Church 110 N 3rd Street River Falls, WI. Visitation will also be on Monday from 10-11 am at the church. A luncheon will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. Private interment in Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: the St. Croix Valley Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) or the River Falls American Association of University Women (AAUW) Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.