Longtime Galesburg Resident Margaret 'Muffy' Gustafson Dies at 77

Gustafson was a fixture in the community, known for her warmth, cooking, and volunteer work.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:16am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a cozy kitchen scene, with warm pools of soft light and color reflecting off cooking utensils, baked goods, and a welcoming table setting, conceptually representing the warmth and hospitality that defined Muffy Gustafson's life.The vibrant kitchen where Muffy Gustafson welcomed friends, family, and neighbors for decades will forever be remembered as the heart of the Galesburg community.Galesburg Today

Margaret Mary 'Muffy' Gustafson, a longtime resident of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away on April 4, 2026, at the age of 77. Gustafson was known for her strong-willed personality, infectious laugh, and welcoming spirit, as well as her dedication to the Galesburg community through her involvement with the Women's Club, Corpus Christi Catholic Church, and local schools.

Why it matters

Gustafson's passing marks the end of an era for Galesburg, as she was a beloved figure who embodied the community's values of family, faith, and civic engagement. Her life story reflects the changing landscape of small-town America over the past several decades.

The details

Gustafson worked for many years as an X-Ray Technician at local hospitals and, with her husband Bill, owned and operated a tag sale business in Galesburg. She was a longtime member and president of the Galesburg Women's Club, as well as a faithful member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, where she volunteered with the Altar and Rosary Society and St. Vincent DePaul Society. Gustafson also taught home economics at Costa Catholic School for a few years.

  • Gustafson passed away on April 4, 2026.
  • Visitation will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Gustafson's funeral mass will be on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10 a.m.

The players

Margaret Mary 'Muffy' Gustafson

A 77-year-old longtime resident of Galesburg, Illinois, known for her strong-willed personality, infectious laugh, and dedication to the local community.

William Daniel Gustafson

Muffy's husband of 58 years, with whom she owned and operated a tag sale business in Galesburg.

Corpus Christi Catholic Church

The church where Muffy was a faithful member and volunteered with the Altar and Rosary Society and St. Vincent DePaul Society.

Galesburg Women's Club

The community organization that Muffy was a longtime member and president of.

Costa Catholic School

The school where Muffy taught home economics for a few years.

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The takeaway

Muffy Gustafson's life exemplified the values of community, family, and service that have long defined Galesburg. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy will continue to inspire others in the town she loved.