DEBORAH "DEBBIE" LORRAINE GUSTAFSON

Deborah “Debbie” Lorraine Gustafson (nee Lovain) 79, of Moose Lake, MN formerly of Brooklyn Park, MN passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026 in Cloquet, MN, with her loving husband of 56 years by her side after a 4-year struggle with a recurrence of breast cancer. Born on September 15, 1946, in Fort Dodge, IA, to Rev. Bertil and Lorraine (Anderson) Lovain.  She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and friend known for her unwavering faith, generous kindness, and sly sense of humor.

Born the 2nd child of 4 in a pastor’s family, Debbie spent time in a number of places growing up, including Pilot Mound, IA, Bradford, PA, Loveland, CO, Scottsbluff, NE and Cloquet, MN. Fun time in the summer was spent with her grandparents in Arthur, IA.

Debbie graduated from Cloquet High School in 1964.  She went on to attend the University of Minnesota Duluth where she met her future husband, Donald “Don” Gustafson.  She took a year off from school in 1967 to travel with a home Missions team as part of God’s Invasion Army under the guidance of the Baptist General Conference.  She found that ‘off’ year to be especially significant in her life and remembered it with pleasure in the years which followed.

In1969 Debbie graduated (with honors) from UMD with a degree in Elementary Education.  Later that summer, on August 30, 1969, she became Don’s “beautiful bride” (a term he used for Debbie until her last day).

Debbie and Don were active members of Redeemer Covenant Church in Brooklyn Park, MN, for 40+ years where she served in many roles, sang in the choir, and worked in the office for many years. She took part in many mission trips and countless youth activities.

Debbie filled in as the pianist for the Svensgarnas Dag Girls Choir, spent many hours volunteering and was able to tour Sweden with them twice. Don and Debbie enjoyed traveling and visiting many countries, often on mission trips providing service to others. Debbie also loved to garden, which she was very successful at and loved to share her bounty.

Debbie was a talented seamstress of Nordic country folk costumes, under her business “Debbie’s Doll Dresses”.  She and Don took part in many Scandinavian festivals and shows, and her dresses were sold in numerous retail stores throughout the upper Midwest.  A big accomplishment was Debbie being awarded the 2015 Chester Award as Artisan of the Year at Norsk Hostfest in Minot, ND.

Above all, Debbie was a devout Christian, a disciple of Christ who shared her faith openly through conversation and prayer.

Her greatest joy was her family, and she cherished moments spent with them, especially being “Mor-Mor” to her 8 grandchildren.  She loved it when the whole family would gather for holidays and summers together at the family cabin on Sand Lake.

She is survived by her loving husband, Don Gustafson; children, Karin (David) Bergstrom of Minneapolis, MN, Eric (Nancy Dronen) Gustafson of Duluth, MN, and Kristina (Anthony) Hamilton, of Mora, MN; her cherished grandchildren: Ivan & Thor Bergstrom, Gray, Joey & Kasey Gustafson, and Marcus, Titus & Linnea Hamilton; sister, Ruthanne (William) Werner; brother, Timothy (Beth) Lovain, numerous nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Jonathan Gustafson, sister, Mary Beth (Betsy), and her parents.

Debbie served her Savior faithfully until her very last breath and is now walking, restored in eternity.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Diamond Willow in Cloquet and Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospice for their compassion and care over the past month.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 9, 2026, at Moose Lake Covenant Church in Moose Lake, MN. As the date gets closer, a time will be placed on the funeral home website.

Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.