Marlene Gustafson

Funeral services for Marlene Gustafson, age 61, of Rapid City, SD, formerly of Faith, SD, was held on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the Faith Community Center in Faith, SD, with Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating. Burial to follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Bear Butte Cemetery in Sturgis, SD. 

The funeral service will be livestreamed on Marlene's obituary and will be available for viewing 10 minutes prior to the start of the service.

Marlene Vay Gustafson, 61 of Rapid City, SD died Thursday, November 26 surrounded by her family.

Family and Friends,

We gather today to lovingly remember and celebrate the life of Marlene, a beloved wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, and friend.

She was born to Lloyd and Hilma (Voss) Kelly on June 28, 1959 in Faith, SD and was the youngest of four sisters. She grew up on the Kelly Ranch north of Faith and attended 12 years of school and graduated from Faith High School in 1977.  She participated in track and basketball throughout her junior high and high school years which developed a lifelong love of sports.  She was on the State Championship Track team in 1975 and was a 2-time state champion in hurdles.  Marlene participated in college sports and graduated from Black Hills State University in 1981.  She began her teaching career in Faith where she taught 2nd grade for 33 years along with coaching athletes in cross country and track and field.  She finished her teaching career as a substitute teacher in New Underwood, SD.

In 1985 Marlene married Walter “Hale” Palmer at Faith and they were blessed with two sons, Thomas Leigh and Wayne Kelly.  Following Hale’s death in 1995, Marlene married Morris Gustafson in 2004. Upon retiring in 2014, Marlene and Morris moved to Rapid City to be near children and grandchildren.  Life was an example of her favorite bible verse: Ephesians 4:32 And be kind compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.  She enjoyed watching the kids and grandkids in their church and Christmas programs, baptisms, school and musical programs, swimming lessons, soccer, baseball, softball, golf, bowling, basketball, cross country meets, Boy Scout pinewood derby racing and birthday celebrations.

Marlene enjoyed her many friends and former students, family heirlooms, nature, cats, flowers, baking, bowling and hosting family celebrations.  She was an avid Wheel Watcher and a mighty Faith Longhorn sports fan!  Her greatest joy in life was treasured time she spent with the children and grandchildren.

Marlene is survived by her husband Morris “Mark” Gustafson, sons Thomas Palmer, Wayne (Marissa) Palmer, step-children, Eric (Amber) Gustafson, Alex (Candace) Gustafson, and Abby (Lee) Smart. Nine grandchildren Whitten and Declan Palmer, Audrina, Ellis, Bryce, Claire, Delila, and Faye Gustafson, and Maximus Smart. Sister, Darlene Kelly; aunt, Patty Kelly; nephews, Kelly Daughters, Drew (Shellie), Brad (Tina), and Bryce Foster; nieces, Jennifer Foster, Amel (Levi) McEuen and Liam and Colleena. Brothers-in-law, Chuck Foster, Butch Samuelson, Richard, Russell and Tom Palmer. Sisters-in-law, Jean (Joel) Erickson, Melody Adcock, Marietta Palmer, Marjorie Daane and Nancy Palmer.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lloyd and Hilma Kelly; first husband, Hale Palmer; sisters, Colleen Samuelson and Kristie Foster;  in-laws, Gary Gustafson, Frank and Mary Palmer, Audrey Palmer, Tish and Delbert Gustafson and step-daughter, Hillary Gustafson.

She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

A memorial has been established to the Marlene Gustafson Scholarship Fund.