Dena A. Gustafson, 73, of Traverse City, MI, is at rest after courageously facing a myriad of health challenges throughout her life. Dena was born to Raymond and Claudine Chadwell on October 14, 1951. She grew up in the Flint area with her siblings Patricia, Gary, and Glen and graduated from Swartz Creek High School. Dena attended Ferris State College, where she met David C. Gustafson. They were married on September 26, 1970. Together, they put down roots in Flint where they raised a family together. In retirement, David and Dena moved to Traverse City and enjoyed spending time in the summers with family on Green Lake in Interlochen. Dena took great pride in being a mother and grandmother. Her final request was to make sure that her children and grandchildren knew she loved them. Dena passed on June 10, 2025 and is survived by her husband, David, who cared well for Dena over the years; her children, Brooke (Gustafson) Stevens (Wayne), Bryan Gustafson, and Eric Gustafson; and her five grandchildren, Charlie, Garrett, Abby, Thomas, and Kaille. A visitation will be held at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 10 a.m. with a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Please dress colorfully and casually for a garden luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Munson Hospice House (Munson Healthcare Foundation, 1150 Medical Campus Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684 or online at munsonhealthcare.org) or Catholic Charities of Genesee County – Adoption and Foster Care (901 Chippewa St., Flint, MI 48503 or online at catholiccharitiesflint.networkforgood.com). The family is being cared for by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.