Virginia M. Gustafson

Funeral Services for Virginia M. Gustafson will be held on Monday, March 15, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Holdrege, Nebraska. Following the service the interment will be held at the Prairie Home Cemetery. Reverend Dr. W. Kirwin Stewart, Jr. will be officiating the celebration of Virginia's life.

Virginia Mae (Waller) Gustafson, 86 years of age, ascended home on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, surrounded by her six beloved children. Virginia was born on March 12, 1934, in Holdrege. She was the third of four children to Milford J. And Minnie (Berg) Waller. Virginia was raised on the family farm in Phelps County and attended country school from first to eighth grade traveling by horse and walking. She graduated from Holdrege High School with the class of 1951.

On August 25, 1952, Virginia was joined in marriage to Duane "Dick" Gustafson. The couple was blessed with six children: Richard, Brenda, Julie, William, Sally and Traci. Virginia dedicated 30 years of her life at the Brewster Clinic and later Phelps Memorial Hospital providing compassionate care to patients of all ages and then later auditing medical records. However, her real passion was the devotion she had raising her children.

Virginia spent much of her retired life volunteering for the community she so cherished. She participated at many YMCA activities, including the YMCA lunch program. This was always a special summer program as she could be surrounded by children and help foster prayer and manners in their lives. She volunteered for many years with the public elections, Blood Mobile, the Prairie Museum's various events and the First Presbyterian Church task force.

Virginia was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church since 1954 where she sang in the choir. She also performed with "The Group", for over 30 years giving numerous performances throughout the community. She has played the piano throughout her entire life. Music filled her soul.

Virginia will always be remembered as a one of a kind mom, grandmother and a "second" mom to many. She was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. She encouraged others to go outside of their boundaries and take risks. Her treasured times were spent traveling to visit family, outings with girlfriends and watching sporting events.

May her Memory Be Eternal.

Virginia was preceded in death by; her parents; and her husband, Dick Gustafson; two brothers:  Roger Waller and wife, Mae; and Jack Waller and wife, Norma; one sister, Mary Alice Feeney and husband, Robert; and one son-in-law, Kenneth Spalding.

Virginia leaves to celebrate her life; her two sons:  Richard Gustafson of Holdrege; and William Gustafson of Phoenix, Arizona; four daughters:  Brenda Spalding of Plano, Texas; Julie Chapin and her husband, Charlie of Scottsdale, Arizona; Sally Fox of Holdrege; and Traci Sgouros and her husband, George of Scottsdale, Arizona; seven grandchildren:  Aaron and Brianna Chapin of Scottsdale, Arizona; Nickolas Fox of Lincoln, Nebraska; Natalie Fox of Hong Kong, China; Jonathan, Zoe, and Gianna Sgouros of Scottsdale, Arizona; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 14, 2021, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, with the family present.

A memorial has been established in Virginia's honor and kindly suggested to:  the First Presbyterian Church of Holdrege; or the Nebraska Prairie Museum of Holdrege.

Due to health concerns, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; face coverings are optional.  Virginia's funeral service will be live streamed via the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home Facebook page.  ( https://www.facebook.com/Nelson-Bauer-Funeral-Homes-111601113801622 )

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is assisting the family with the arrangements.