Peacefully entered eternal rest on September 18, 2021. Beloved wife of Neil
Gustafson for 50 years; loving mother of Ian Gustafson, Damien Gustafson and Devon (Gary)
Drikow. She was the proud and cherished grandmother of Jacob, Luka, Gavin, Maya and Grant.
She is survived by her beloved sister Sharon Salerno, sister in laws, Peggy North Jones (Bruce
Carvell) and Kaye Rockwell. She was a much loved aunt to four and cousin to many. We loved
her as a friend, neighbor and cherished child care provider to countless children.
Linda was born on December 14th, 1948,to Lee and Martha (nee Schlueter) Jones, in Quincy,
IL. She attended Emerson Elementary School, Quincy Junior High and Quincy Senior High
School. She met her loving husband Neil in Quincy, and they were married on September 11,
1971 at Salem UCC. They moved to St. Louis in June of 1981 and raised their family there.
Linda was a beautiful, strong, independent woman with a heart of gold. She was always there
for anyone who needed her and didn’t hesitate to bring a delicious meal, offer words of support
or just be available to listen and share her love. She enjoyed spending time with her family and
friends, traveling, shopping and party planning. Her children and grandchildren were showered
with gifts of love and each birthday celebration included their favorite foods and treats she knew
were special to them. Holidays and traditions were important and Linda’s incredible cooking
skills were appreciated by everyone. She will be remembered for her acts of service, kindness
and the compassion she had for all. She will be deeply missed by family, friends and all who
were blessed to know her and were a part of her rich and full life.
Visitation Tuesday, September 28th, 4-8 p.m. at Kutis 10151 Gravois Road, and 10-11
Wednesday, September 29th at Gethsemane Lutheran Church 3600 Hampton Ave.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 on Wednesday September 29th at Gethsemane Lutheran
Church, 3600 Hampton Ave.Internment following at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
There will be a Celebration of Life immediately following at Cafe Telegraph.
The livestream link the day of the funeral can be accessed on the Gethsemane Lutheran
Church Facebook Page. Guests can find the link to the live stream at www.gethsemanestl.org. They can also go directly to our YouTube channel Gethsemane YouTube. Should you feel inclined, In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to one of the following per
Linda’s wishes:
Baby Fold ( in Honor of Ian Gustafson)
100 East Willow
Normal, Il 61761
https://thebabyfold.givingfuel.com/the-baby-fold
St. John’s Hospital Neonatal ICU (in Honor of Damien Gustafson)
800 E. Carpenter
Springfield, IL 62769
https://giving.hshs.org/sjs/Donate
Hagemann Elementary School (in Honor of Devon Drikow)
6401 Hagemann Rd
St. Louis, MO 63128
Linda was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. I will miss seeing her at school events and her contagious smile.. My deepest condolences to everyone. ❤
Linda was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. I will miss seeing her at school events and her contagious smile.. My deepest condolences to everyone. ❤
Mrs. Gustafson,
Is in some if my youngest memories. I had the same classes as Devon throughout school. You were always warm, sweet, and kind to us. Your love for family & community was apparent.
Thanks for lol you did to make our schools special.
My deepest prayers and condolences to your family.
Mrs. Gustafson,
Is in some if my youngest memories. I had the same classes as Devon throughout school. You were always warm, sweet, and kind to us. Your love for family & community was apparent.
Thanks for lol you did to make our schools special.
My deepest prayers and condolences to your family.
I was heartbroken to learn that my Aunt Linda had fallen ill and passed away, and especially at a time when she and her family should have been happily celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary. I have been flooded with many warm memories of the times she cared for me as a child, often celebrating birthdays, holidays, and sharing many other happy events, as well as some tough ones, as part of our extended family. Her warm touch with children was always evident in everything she did. Linda was there when I was born, and when I was christened, and she will always be part of our world as long as she is remembered by those she impacted. My condolences and best wishes to all of her family and friends, and especially my Uncle Neil, Ian, Damien, and Devon, who were also a special part of my childhood.
I was heartbroken to learn that my Aunt Linda had fallen ill and passed away, and especially at a time when she and her family should have been happily celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary. I have been flooded with many warm memories of the times she cared for me as a child, often celebrating birthdays, holidays, and sharing many other happy events, as well as some tough ones, as part of our extended family. Her warm touch with children was always evident in everything she did. Linda was there when I was born, and when I was christened, and she will always be part of our world as long as she is remembered by those she impacted. My condolences and best wishes to all of her family and friends, and especially my Uncle Neil, Ian, Damien, and Devon, who were also a special part of my childhood.
ATrue Angel heaven has she will be looking over us all . She saved my daughters sanity and helped her in numerous ways to raise her 4 children they will miss her greatly as well as all the children she babysat
ATrue Angel heaven has she will be looking over us all . She saved my daughters sanity and helped her in numerous ways to raise her 4 children they will miss her greatly as well as all the children she babysat
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and family. Much love and prayers to you all
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and family. Much love and prayers to you all
You were the best mom ever
You were the best mom ever
Very sorry for your loss. We will always remember her as happy and fun. She was always welcoming, and a great person. Peace to you all.
Very sorry for your loss. We will always remember her as happy and fun. She was always welcoming, and a great person. Peace to you all.
Our sincere sympathy goes out to the entire family. We are so sorry for your loss. Praying for all of you to find peace with your loss.
John and Betty Heine
Our sincere sympathy goes out to the entire family. We are so sorry for your loss. Praying for all of you to find peace with your loss.
John and Betty Heine
To Neil, Ian, Damien, Devon, Sharon & family, Deeply saddened we are missing one of our QHS Gal Trip Group & longtime friend. Linda was a great gal trip organizer. So grateful we’ll have those fun memories of those shenanigans! Our’QHS class motto “We’re the Angels sent from Heaven, we’re class of ‘67”! Now we will have a beautiful Angel looking over us all. Our class 70th birthday party was exactly two years ago. The last time I saw her. God bless her soul & all who love her. See you when I get there, Linda.❤️
To Neil, Ian, Damien, Devon, Sharon & family, Deeply saddened we are missing one of our QHS Gal Trip Group & longtime friend. Linda was a great gal trip organizer. So grateful we’ll have those fun memories of those shenanigans! Our’QHS class motto “We’re the Angels sent from Heaven, we’re class of ‘67”! Now we will have a beautiful Angel looking over us all. Our class 70th birthday party was exactly two years ago. The last time I saw her. God bless her soul & all who love her. See you when I get there, Linda.❤️
Mrs. G, made her house an actual “home” away from home for everyone that entered it. I have so many memories being there with her, Devon and Damien. From singing in the basement and goofing around to hanging out upstairs in the kitchen. I was always welcomed with open arms and felt like I could stay as long as I wanted. My heart breaks for your family right now, as I know there is a large void left behind, but I hope that, in time, the hurt turns into a celebration of the great memories from your life and the love that poured out of you. Love ya Momma G.
Mrs. G, made her house an actual “home” away from home for everyone that entered it. I have so many memories being there with her, Devon and Damien. From singing in the basement and goofing around to hanging out upstairs in the kitchen. I was always welcomed with open arms and felt like I could stay as long as I wanted. My heart breaks for your family right now, as I know there is a large void left behind, but I hope that, in time, the hurt turns into a celebration of the great memories from your life and the love that poured out of you. Love ya Momma G.
Dear Uncle Neil, Ian, Damien, Devon and Aunt Sharon,
I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for the loss of Aunt Linda. I have so many memories of her from my growing up years. She has been there for all the big moments of my life, my wedding, my kids. She was always there for Mom and Dad. Always with a smile that would light up the room. I just want to send love and hugs your way.
I love you so much!
Jenny Shults Kigar and Family
Dear Uncle Neil, Ian, Damien, Devon and Aunt Sharon,
I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for the loss of Aunt Linda. I have so many memories of her from my growing up years. She has been there for all the big moments of my life, my wedding, my kids. She was always there for Mom and Dad. Always with a smile that would light up the room. I just want to send love and hugs your way.
I love you so much!
Jenny Shults Kigar and Family
Dear Neil and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Susan Johnston (Carol House Furniture)
Dear Neil and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Susan Johnston (Carol House Furniture)
My sincere sympathy to my Uncle Neil as well as my cousins Ian, Devon, and Damien. Aunt Linda always made me feel so important when I was a little girl. All of us would get together at my grandmas. It was evident in everything Linda did and how she lived, her heart was big and she held a special place in it for children. She is much loved and will be even more missed. We are all lucky to have known her. Please know Aunt Kaye is thinking of you.
My sincere sympathy to my Uncle Neil as well as my cousins Ian, Devon, and Damien. Aunt Linda always made me feel so important when I was a little girl. All of us would get together at my grandmas. It was evident in everything Linda did and how she lived, her heart was big and she held a special place in it for children. She is much loved and will be even more missed. We are all lucky to have known her. Please know Aunt Kaye is thinking of you.
Rob and I are so very sorry about the loss of Linda. Please accept our sympathy and prayers to the family.
Rob and Sydney Pennington
Rob and I are so very sorry about the loss of Linda. Please accept our sympathy and prayers to the family.
Rob and Sydney Pennington
The entire Mitchler family extends our sincere condolences to The Gustafson, Drikow, Salerno, and Jones families. Linda was a special person, and an absolutely wonderful Godmother to Allison and Alexandra. Well done, thy good and faithful servant…Rest in peace, and go with God.
Allan & Lee MItchler
The entire Mitchler family extends our sincere condolences to The Gustafson, Drikow, Salerno, and Jones families. Linda was a special person, and an absolutely wonderful Godmother to Allison and Alexandra. Well done, thy good and faithful servant…Rest in peace, and go with God.
Allan & Lee MItchler
Neil, Ian, Damien, Devon, Gary, Sharon, and all of Linda’s beloved extended family members,
My heart is broken for you. It is so hard to accept that Linda has moved on — what a glow she always had about her! I remember her warmth and joy from both eras that I was at Gethsemane Lutheran Church — both when I was a youth and again as an adult. I remember Linda and Sharon hard at work in the Gethsemane kitchen, preparing all kinds of goodies for another member’s 80th birthday celebration. I also remember the amazing feast they provided for John and Sharon’s big party years back. I can only imagine what it was like to be in Linda’s innermost circle and to enjoy being lavished with her energy, wit, care, and so much love on a daily basis. May your memories bring you comfort and laughter as you move through the difficult days ahead. I am reminded of the words of a hymn that I recall was one of Linda’s favorites: “… I’ll be there as I have always been, with just one more surprise …”
May God’s light perpetual shine upon Linda, and may you feel the comfort and support of those around you.
Neil, Ian, Damien, Devon, Gary, Sharon, and all of Linda’s beloved extended family members,
My heart is broken for you. It is so hard to accept that Linda has moved on — what a glow she always had about her! I remember her warmth and joy from both eras that I was at Gethsemane Lutheran Church — both when I was a youth and again as an adult. I remember Linda and Sharon hard at work in the Gethsemane kitchen, preparing all kinds of goodies for another member’s 80th birthday celebration. I also remember the amazing feast they provided for John and Sharon’s big party years back. I can only imagine what it was like to be in Linda’s innermost circle and to enjoy being lavished with her energy, wit, care, and so much love on a daily basis. May your memories bring you comfort and laughter as you move through the difficult days ahead. I am reminded of the words of a hymn that I recall was one of Linda’s favorites: “… I’ll be there as I have always been, with just one more surprise …”
May God’s light perpetual shine upon Linda, and may you feel the comfort and support of those around you.
Linda was a very kind and pleasant person to us even we’re just people that she visit oftentimes our condolences to the family and Damien, from both myself and my fiancé we appreciate her kindness and love that she given. I not great at this kind of thing but may the lord shine on you from above and watch over you and your family Linda thank you ❤️
Linda was a very kind and pleasant person to us even we’re just people that she visit oftentimes our condolences to the family and Damien, from both myself and my fiancé we appreciate her kindness and love that she given. I not great at this kind of thing but may the lord shine on you from above and watch over you and your family Linda thank you ❤️