Georgia Helen Gaustad

Georgia Helen Gaustad passed away Thursday, August 11, 2016 at her home in Rush City, Minnesota at the age of 95. A life-long resident of Rush City, she was born to David and Clementine (Tyler) McKay on April 6, 1921 in Rock Creek, Minnesota. She was the youngest of 5 children. When Georgia began her education, she attended the McKay school. Since she had turned 6 on April 6, she only had one month of first grade. She attended the McKay school for the remaining 7 years prior to high school. Georgia went on to high school in Rush City, graduating in 1938 as salutatorian. After graduating from St. Cloud State College she began her business teaching career in Pine City. She taught in the Pine City High School until her retirement in 1986. Georgia married Wesley Gaustad on June 8, 1946 and were married 65 years before Wes passed away. Life was busy for both of them as they were working as well as raising their three children, Faye, Gail and Lee. Music and volunteering were the biggest part of Georgia's life. She started playing piano for the Presbyterian Church services in Rush City when she was in the 8th grade and continued until she left for college. Beginning her teaching career, she would play for church services in the Presbyterian Church in Pine City and had a children's choir there for many years. She then directed the children's and junior choir at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rush City for 56 years. In addition, she enjoyed accompanying the Pine City Senior Singers for 21 years. Giving piano lessons was a hobby that she started in 1938 in high school and continued until a week before her death. She often said she would pay the students for coming as she enjoyed them so much. Georgia and Wes volunteered at Fairview Lakes Regional Medical Center in Wyoming for many years after it opened. Before she retired, Georgia had 2500 hours of volunteering with Fairview. The Red Cross Blood Drives were part of her life for 60 years. She was given an award for Outstanding Senior Citizen of Chisago County and of Rush City. When they weren't volunteering, Wes and Georgia were traveling. They attended over 50 Elderhostels in the United States and Hawaii, along with taking 10 cruises and going to Europe 4 times and Alaska twice. She lived a good life and lived it to the fullest. Thanks to all of the people who had a part in it. Georgia is survived by daughter Gail (Ken) Grubbs, of Moscow, Idaho, son Lee (Carolyn) of Blaine; son-in-law Ken (Lorraine) Wistrom of Chicago; grandchildren Matthew Grubbs of Moscow, Idaho, Julie (Jeremy) Helton of Bloomington, Indiana, Sonja (Chris) Martin of Raleigh, North Carolina, Kristina (Lyle) Hearn of Campbell, Christopher (Laura) Gaustad of Champlin, Karla (Mike) Bussen of Ham Lake; 10 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and Mickey "the occasionally charming cat". She is preceded in death by her parents David & Clementine McKay, husband Wesley Gaustad, daughter Faye Wistrom, sisters Doris (Everett) Taylor and Harriet (Jay) Moulton; brothers Angus (Dagmar) McKay and Gerald (Mary) McKay. They will welcome her in heaven. Reverends Laurie O’Shea and Jeri Bergquist will officiate at memorial services for Georgia: 2:00 PM Friday, August 19, 2016 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rush City. Music will be provided by Jim Lindstrom, Glenn Peterson and Al Tripp. Honorary urn bearers will include Scott Mollberg, Duane Nessel, Ray Schoeberl and Andy Schoeberl. A gathering of family and friends is planned for Thursday (8/18/16) evening 5-7:00 PM at the Olson Funeral Chapel in Rush City and also one hour prior to the service at the church. The interment will take place at the First Lutheran Cemetery in Rush City. Funeral arrangements for Georgia Gaustad are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel. www.funeralandcremationservice.com