Mardel E. A. Gustafson

June 10, 1922 - April 12, 2020

Mardel Gustafson (nee Hoppe) of the town of Genesee died on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020 at the age of 97. She was born on June 10, 1922 in Waukesha the daughter of Otto and Emma (nee: Stephen) Hoppe. On November 1, 1950 she married Wayne C. Gustafson at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Waukesha; he preceded her in death on January 16, 2014. She was a longtime member of Reformation Ev. Lutheran Church in Genesee. Mardel was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison receiving a degree in botany. She also earned her teaching certificate and spent several years teaching in North Dakota and Wisconsin. While in school in Madison, she was involved with the research and development of Penicillin. Mardel was most proud of her family and will be remembered by her children as an exceptional and loving mother. She was also an accomplished author publishing five books on parenting. She will be sadly missed by her children; Faith (Mike) Lane of Dousman, Keith (Denise) Gustafson of Norfolk, VA, Richard Gustafson of Waukesha, Wayne A. Gustafson, of Waukesha, John Gustafson of Pewaukee and Beverly (David) Balistreri of Watertown, brothers Herbert Hoppe of Waukesha, and Delbert Hoppe of Waukesha, and sister Lola Mae Weinrich of Greenfield. She is further survived by 9 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sister Marion Beard. Due to the current health crisis, private services for the family only will be held at Randle-Dable Brisk Funeral Home with graveside services following at Genesee Cemetery. Services for the public will be held at a later date. Another obituary will appear with service dates and times. Memorials are appreciated to The Blood Center of Wisconsin for support during the COVID-19 crisis, 2111 Springdale Rd. Waukesha, WI 53186 or to Pro Life Wisconsin, 15850 W. Bluemound Rd #311, Brookfield, WI 53005.