Edith Hedvig Frantzen Gustafson

Edith “Babe” Hedvig Gustafson is with Jesus now.

She hailed from Illinois but made her home in Utah in the 70’s, following her older brother, Denny, and parents “Buddy” Hank and “Jack” Jacqueline Frantzen to the land of Zion. She reflected fondly on being a hippie in the 60’s, during which time she also modeled. She was a true beauty that carried that spark well into her older years.

She embraced the outdoors as a young woman, enjoying pursuits such as hiking, snow shoeing, and camping in the mountains of Utah. She then devoted her energies to raising two daughters. She instilled in them her fierce individuality and independence. She had a great love of vintage dresses, hats, and costumes, and regularly celebrated with like-minded folks at the annual Ladies Hat Party. Her favorite color was plaid.

Truly one-of-a-kind, Edi was warm and generous. She could be stubborn as heck due to her strong Danish roots. She loved food and drink, but nothing too fancy- wine from a box suited her splendidly. She would have you all know that she gladly admits to starting a food fight at Hardee’s that one time. She prioritized spreading joy and humor to all those around her. Her modus operandi was quirkiness and would go out of her way to give gifts that elicited laughter, the music of her heart.

She is survived by her loving husband Donald Gustafson; two daughters, Jackie and Jenny; her brother Dennis Frantzen; her sister-in-law Byrdie-Sue Zwit-Frantzen; and “the Littles,” her dogs Ellie Helly and Peanut. They are currently wondering why treat distribution has suddenly declined. Babe is preceded in death by her parents, Buddy and Jack Frantzen, and her eldest brother, Jeff “Digger” Franzten.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in her name to CAPSA or the Cache Humane Society. She would also appreciate if you raised a glass or sparked a doobie in her honor ✌️