Lorraine Gustafson Age 92, of Rice Lake, WI, died Saturday, July 13, 2024 in Cumberland, WI.

She was born on June 9, 1932 in the Town of Clinton, Barron County to Paul and Laura (Schwingle) Barfknecht.

Her family later moved to the farm on 20th Avenue in Stanfold Township where she grew up on her family’s dairy farm. Growing up Lorraine was very active in 4-H, showing dairy cattle at the county, district and Wisconsin State Fair. She was named the Outstanding Wisconsin Holstein Girl in 1949 and 1950 for her achievements in the 4-H dairy project. A few days after graduating from Rice Lake High School, she began work in the office at Holsum Bakery in Rice Lake as a bookkeeper and office manager and was employed there for 21 years. On September 30, 1967, she married WIllard Gustafson at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rice Lake. They dairy farmed in Rice Lake Township for many years. She loved farm life, all of the animals, and working side by side with Willard. She enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, sewing, meals with family, visits from her grandchildren and made the best cut-out sugar cookies and pies. Lorraine was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Grace Circle, United Methodist Women, and served as a Sunday School Superintendent and was a 4-H leader for many years. Lorraine’s family wishes to extend a huge heartfelt thank you to all of the nurses, CNA’s and Staff at Cumberland Care and Rehab for the excellent care she received these past months.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Jeff Wille; 2 grandchildren, Katie (Noah) Greene and Collin Wille (Marie Haase); a sister-in-law, Carol Barfknecht; nephews, Steve (Jackie) Barfknecht and Greg (Renee) Barfknecht; great niece, Sheena Barfknecht (Ben Sand). She was preceded in death by her husband, Willard Gustafson in 2012; daughter, Lori Lynn; sister, Doreen Barfknecht and a brother, Harley Barfknecht. Funeral Services will be held at 11AM Thursday, July 18, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church in Rice Lake, Mary Mattson officiating, with interment in Wayside Cemetery in Barron, WI. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.

Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the First United Methodist Church or Community Cat Rescue and Adoption Center of Barron County Inc.

Last Update: Jul 17, 2024 1:16 pm CDT