Margaret "Muffy" Gustafson

Margaret Mary “Muffy” Gustafson, 77, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at Saturday, April 4, 2026 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington, Illinois.

Muffy was born November 18, 1948 in Galesburg, the daughter of George Dale and Betty Lou (Dillon) Spilman.

Muffy graduated from Knoxville High School in 1967 and shortly after, married William Daniel Gustafson on July 9, 1967 in Monmouth, Illinois. Muffy later earned her AAS in X-Ray Technology from Carl Sandburg College.

Muffy worked for many years as an X-Ray Tech at Mercer County Hospital, later at Galesburg Cottage Hospital, and OSF St. Mary Medical Center. Muffy and Bill owned and operated M&E Tag Sales in Galesburg for several years.

Muffy is survived by her husband of 58 years, Bill of Galesburg; three daughters, Zenna (Joe) Steiger of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, Mariah (Chris) Pauwels of Moline, Illinois, and Martha (Ben) Holt of Galesburg; and one sister, Ann Whitworth of Dunlap, Illinois. Muffy is also survived by her beloved six grandchildren, Logan Wise, Geneva Steiger, Dillon Pauwels, Anna Pauwels, Axel Holt, and Beatrice Holt. Muffy was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Father Robert Spilman.

She was strong-willed and never shy about being in charge—something her children and husband knew firsthand. Her laugh filled a room, and she never met a stranger she didn’t immediately welcome in (and likely feed). The kitchen was her happy place, and no one ever left hungry, whether they planned to or not. She kept life lively, kept everyone moving, and if sainthood were handed out for patience, Bill would be at the front of the line.

Muffy was a longtime member and president of the Galesburg Women’s Club. She was a faithful member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, where she belonged to the Altar and Rosary Society and volunteered with the St. Vincent DePaul Society. She was fierce Bridge player and taught home economics at Costa Catholic School for a few years.

Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2026 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg, with the rosary being prayed at 7:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, with Father Jeffrey Stirniman officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Galesburg High School Band Boosters or American Heart Association. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.