GALATIA — LaJune Joyce Gustin (Michaelis), 87, died on December 17,2020 due to complications from a recent stroke.
LaJune was born on April 07, 1933 in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of Huldrich and Sarah (Deines) Michaelis. She grew up and attended school in rural Russell County. After grade school she helped with the family farm and worked at a local jewelry store in Russell, KS. Later in life, while raising a family and working full time, she committed the time and effort to obtain her GED.
She married Charles Gustin on November 21, 1954 at the First United Methodist Church in Hoisington, Kansas. During the first years of marriage they lived in Galatia, Great Bend and La Crosse, Kansas before settling in Galatia in the mid 1960’s. LaJune worked at the Galatia Co-op where she retired after 25 years of service. They moved to Great Bend a few years ago.
As an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Galatia and most recently St. Mark Lutheran Church in Great Bend., she volunteered her time, passion and talent for baking and sewing to many church activities and projects. Quilting with other church members was a favorite activity and she was known for her angel food cake. Playing the piano and accordion, with a focus on hymns, polkas and waltzes was a joy and comfort for her and others.
Surviving are her four children, Brent Gustin and wife Clare of Hays, KS, Kevin Gustin and wife Kathy of Colorado Springs, CO, Renee Cook of Tulsa, OK and Craig Gustin and wife Stacey of Ellsworth, KS. Seven grandchildren, Keith and Sarah Gustin, Johnathan Gustin, Ethan and Landon Cook and Darrell and Macey Gustin and two great grandchildren, Levi and Paige Gustin survive. Also surviving are her sister Naomi Dumler, Canon City, Co and brother Richard Michaelis and wife Dianna, Sioux City, IA.
Her husband of 65 years, Charles Gustin, preceded her in death last February.
LaJune was a loving, caring and nurturing person who always put others needs before her own, she will be greatly missed by many.
Due to the risks associated with the Covid virus there will not be a visitation with family nor a public service. Those who wish, can visit Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, on Sunday, December 20, 2020, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM and then Monday, December 21, from 9:00 AM to Noon. Graveside Services will be at the Fairview Cemetery in Galatia with a family only grave side service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be St. Paul Lutheran Church of Galatia, St. Mark Lutheran Church of Great Bend or the Michaelis Reunion. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Pohlman ~ Varner ~ Peeler Mortuary & Monuments
610 N. Maple
Russell, KS 67665
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 20, 2020
