Janet Elaine Gustafson

In Loving Memory of Janet Elaine Gustafson December 17, 1929 - October 28, 2026

Janet Elaine Gustafson, 96, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2026. Born December 17, 1929, in Welch, Minnesota, to Arthur and Ruth (Norman) Anderson, Janet was welcomed into the family by her sister, Jean. After her father's sudden passing from a brain aneurysm in September of 1931, her mother reunited with stepfather, Otto Hanson, adding step-siblings Everett, Paul, and Violet.

Janet grew up on the Anderson family farm in Vasa Township, a place that remained close to her heart throughout her life. Her childhood was shaped by simpler times, hard work, and a deep connection to the land. Even as a young girl, she was resourceful and independent, flagging down the train that passed through the farm with a basket of fresh eggs in hand, making her way to downtown Red Wing to sell them. Janet, with her farm skills enjoyed her job at Meadowlands Produce, Inc. in Red Wing, candling eggs. In later years Janet was widely known for her work at the Hi-Quality Bakery in Cannon Falls, where she worked for 33 years making doughnuts and long johns running the fryer. A favorite treat to bring her grandchildren.

On December 17, 1948, Janet married Richard (Dick) Gustafson. Together they raised three children, Linda, Larry, and Lori, and spent more than 50 years building a life on her family farm, now known as the Gustafson Family Farm. Side by side, they worked the land, held outside jobs, raised their family, cared for loved ones, and welcomed generations of grandchildren.

In 1984, Janet and Dick purchased the Cannon Valley Inn in Welch, Mn, and began operating it as Cannon River Inn & Apartments. For the next 20 years, the inn became a special gathering place for all. You could often find Dick sitting in his corner booth telling stories while Janet poured drinks, cooked, and passed out cookies. It was a place where people were welcomed, conversations came easily, and no one left feeling like a stranger.

Following Dick's passing in 2004, Janet continued working until her retirement in 2012. Throughout her years, she became much more than a familiar face. She was a kind, welcoming presence, someone who listened without judgment and offered comfort without hesitation. Whether you stopped by for a conversation, fresh farm eggs, or one of her homemade cookies, you were always welcomed with a warm smile.

Janet's life was filled with animals, family, friends, and an abundance of hard work. Affectionately known as the "Animal Whisperer", she had a special connection with people and animals alike. Her love of farm life never faded; even into her 70s, she could be found alongside her grandson Rich cleaning the barn stalls and raking.

Janet found joy in baking, sewing, canning, saving cans, reading her sister Jean's letters, the Today magazine, and caring for the family and animals she loved so dearly.

Janet was a lifelong member of Jehovah's Witnesses, attending the Kingdom Hall in Red Wing, Minnesota.

Janet is survived by her three children: Linda King; Larry Gustafson (Angie); and Lori Gustafson(Juha Keinala) and niece Rhonda Wenger.

Grandchildren: Tanya Gustafson (Dan Cottrell), Rich Gustafson (Kellie), Nathan King, Nicholas King (Johanna), Niles King (Cheyanne), Henry Keinala (Kristina), Skylar Gustafson, Cody Lundquist, Kyle Lincoln, and Kristina Lincoln.

Great-grandchildren: Kayla Gustafson (Dhruv Kumar), Alana Gomez (Preston Gomez), Brendan Klitzke, Richie King, Austin King, Mason King, Peyton Gustafson, Bryer Gustafson, and Caden Osterberg.

Great-great-grandchildren: Freya Gomez, Annika Gomez, Nolan Gomez, and Kiran Gustafson.

Janet was preceded in death by her beloved husband of more than 57 years, Richard (Dick) Gustafson; her parents, Arthur Anderson, Ruth Hanson, and Otto Hanson; her siblings, Jean Harriman, Violet Henslin, Paul Hanson, and Everett Hanson; her son-in-law, David King; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

To know Janet was to love her. She was the heart of her family, a matriarch, and a hero to many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She embodied grace, patience, kindness, courage, a quiet strength, with just enough stubbornness to make her unmistakably Janet. Her independence, unconditional love, and unwavering devotion to her family left an impression that will carry on through generations.

It is comforting to imagine Janet in her glory, tending to her sheep and chickens, enjoying her daily ice cream, surrounded by animals and loved ones, and baking cookies for all her family and friends. She will be forever loved and deeply missed.

A special thank you to Greg Miller, the team at Mayo Hospice, and the Zumbrota Health Center for their comfort, compassion, and support.

A Memorial Service will be held 2:00-4:00 pm Friday, November 27th, 2026 at Lundberg Funeral Home in Cannon Falls, MN.