Melinda Gustafson

Melinda Lee (Goin) Gustafson passed away on April 8, 2023 in Seaside, OR after a long battle with
Alzheimer’s dementia.
Melinda was born in Port Angeles, WA on December 27, 1950 to Richard and Geraldine (Todd) Goin and
moved to Astoria when she was an infant with her parents and brothers Dennis and Michael.
She attended Astor School and Astoria High School and earned an associate’s degree from Peninsula
Community College.
She married Mark Gustafson on December 16, 1972, in Astoria and the two moved to Vancouver Island,
B.C. after Mark graduated from college. They returned to Astoria in 1977 to work for Gustafson Logging.
Melinda was a homemaker and also worked as a substitute secretary in the Astoria schools and as a
secretary for Gustafson Logging.
She was a devoted member of First Lutheran Church, where she served in a variety of ways, including as
a volunteer, Sunday School teacher, and committee member.
Melinda was known for her generous heart and her love for her friends and family. She loved to talk,
laugh, and share stories. She stayed active throughout her life and some of her favorite activities were
walking with friends, dancing, playing and watching sports, cooking, shopping, and working around her
home and yard. She especially enjoyed caring for and spending time with those she loved, and was an
amazing planner and hostess for holidays, celebrations, reunions, and special occasions.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Gerry Goin, and her father- and mother-in-law,
Duane and Dona Gustafson.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Mark, brothers Dennis Goin of Gig Harbor, WA, (Karen), and
Mike Goin of Ridgefield, WA (Patsy); brothers-in-law Clay Gustafson of Forest Grove (Debi) and Wade
Gustafson of La Pine; children Jennifer Wrye of Tacoma, WA (Matt) and Chad Gustafson of Middleton, ID
(Beth); grandchildren Jonah Wrye, and Ella and Averi Gustafson, as well as many beloved cousins,
nieces, and nephews.
Memorial and celebration of life services will be held on Saturday, May 13 at 11am at Peace First
Lutheran Church, 725 33 rd St, and 1pm at The Elks Lodge, 453 11 th St, both in Astoria, OR, 97103.
Memorial contributions can be made to Lower Columbia Hospice www.columbiamemorial.org and the
Alzheimer’s Association https://act.alz.org/donate.