Myrtle Gustafson-OlsonThousand Oaks, CAMyrtle Gustafson-Olson, 107, of Thousand Oaks, CA went home to be with the Lord on January 7th, 2017 at Thousand Oaks Healthcare where she had been a resident since August of 2008. Myrtle was a descendent of Swedish settlers who immigrated to Minnesota in the 1880s, inspired by the Homestead Act of 1862.Clara and Martin Gustafson, Myrtle's parents, raised seven children and settled in Buffalo, Minnesota, where Myrtle was born on December 28, 1909. Martin decided a life on the homestead did not suit him and he chose to become a barber. He and Clara moved to south Minneapolis, where Myrtle eventually joined him as an apprentice barber. For several years, father and daughter worked together in his shop on Lake Street in Minneapolis.One day, Ernie Olson walked past the barber shop and saw the lovely Myrtle inside. He decided he had to meet this beautiful woman, entered the shop and had a haircut. He then asked Martin for permission to court his daughter. They fell in love and Myrtle and Ernie were married in 1938, a union that lasted 67 years. Ernie and Myrtle loved to travel and lived in many different places, moving from Minneapolis MN to Williston, ND then on to Seattle, WA down to Simi Valley, CA and over to Hemet, CA. They eventually retired in Thousand Oaks, CA to be closer to their only daughter Karen. Myrtle was light hearted and had a witty sense of humor. When asked about her secret for longevity she was quick to respond "Believe in God". Her belief was so strong she could recite all the books of the bible. Myrtle is survived by her daughter Karen (husband Calvin), three granddaughter Kathie Bucaria (husband John), Sonja Essick (husband Paul), and Gretchen Kelly (husband Kevin) and 5 great grandchildren.A memorial service is scheduled for 10:00 AM on January 20th, 2017 at Pierce Brothers Mortuary in Westlake Village, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to a . The family would like to thank all the caregivers at Thousand Oaks Healthcare for their care and dedication.
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