Catherine “Kay” Gustafson

Catherine died in April at the age of 94. Kay and her husband Joe lived all of their married life in the Brainerd area. It is where they raised their three daughters, Greta, Joni, and Lisa.

Joe was an entrepreneur working in real estate development. He built several neighborhoods, built the east Brainerd mall in the 60’s, and owned the SuperValu store in Brainerd.

Kay was a stay-at-home mom and supported Joe by helping make his dreams become a reality. She was a member of First Lutheran Church and various organizations including Chapter C.J. PEO and Service League.

Her daughters describe her as a “sweet and generous woman who always wore a smile…the epitome of class and an ideal role model.”

Catherine designed a donor advised fund that was funded at her death and named her three daughters as advisors for the fund. They believe they will focus their giving on children and health issues.