Sharon Gustafson, 66, died on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 at her home after a long battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM, Friday, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Newfolden, MN with Rev. Nancy Hanson officiating. Burial will follow in the Spruce Valley Cemetery, Spruce Valley Township, Marshall County, MN.

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5-8 PM at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Friday.

Sharon Eileen Peterson was born November 12, 1941 to Elmer Erick and Florence Amelia (Knutson) Peterson at home in Spruce Valley Township, near Middle River, MN. She was number 10 of 12 children. She was baptized at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Thief Lake in 1944. Sharon was confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Middle River in 1957. She attended school in Middle River until 1959. Sharon was married to Duane Gustafson in 1959. To this union two children were born. She then earned her High School diploma in 1966. She earned her cosmetoloty degree in Thief River Falls in 1976.

Sharon worked for Elaine Baker in Karlstad at her Beauty Salon for a couple years. She then opened Sharons Beauty Salon in her home in Newfolden in 1977 and recently celebrated 30 years of business. She ran a home daycare and then worked at Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls, MN sewing for over 10 years.

Sharon served on the Newfolden City Council for 21 years. She worked for Experience Works serving meals at the Senior Citizen Center in Newfolden. Sharon was an avid seamstress, who sewed her daughters clothing and a prom dress for her granddaughter. She enjoyed painting ceramics and working in her flower gardens. Bird watching and bird feeding brought her joy. You could often see Sharon out bike riding. She was a active member at Bethlehem Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and served on the Altar Committee. Sharon loved to chase and watch storms.

Sharon is survived by two daughters Keli Gustafson, Newfolden, MN; Paula Gustafson, Grand Forks, ND, one granddaughter Courtney Gustafson, Grand Forks, ND; three brothers: Floyd Sonny (Lois) Peterson, Middle River, MN; Ronnie (Sheila) Peterson, Middle River, MN; Elmer Peterson Jr., Sedalia, MO; four sisters: Margaret (Arnold) Johnson, Fargo, ND; Hazel Herk, Vergas, MN, Shirley Lorraine Stacey, Riverside, CA; Lila (Duane) Knutson, Bagley, MN. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers: Donald, Ervin; two sisters Donna Peterson, Audrey Peterson.

PIANIST: Natalie Korczak
SOLOIST: Donovan Ruud
SELECTIONS: In The Garden
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: What A Friend We Have In Jesus, Softly and Tenderly
PALLBEARERS: (Nephews) Marty Peterson, Lance Peterson, Scottie Peterson, Terry Peterson, Lonnie Peterson, Jamie Peterson
HONORARY PALLBEARERS: All of her nieces and nephews