Lillian Gustafson (nee Sasko), 89, of Lincolnshire, formerly Oak Park and River Forest, died on Jan. 17, 2021. Born on April 8, 1931, she graduated from Northern Illinois University followed by master’s degrees from the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. She was a phenomenal schoolteacher who retired, after 40 years, in 1993. A member of Infant Welfare Society, Oak Park Circle 1 for many years, she was also an avid bridge player, a loyal fan of all Chicago sports teams, and huge advocate for sending Hallmark cards. She loved betting on the ponies and enjoyed traveling the world, especially on cruises. Lilka embraced her Czech and Slovak heritage and, of course, Prague was her favorite city she visited. She met Robert, her husband of 50 years, through the Oak Park Ski Club.
Lilka Gustafson was the mother of Kathy, Robert “Thure” (Sallie) and John (Nancy); grandmother (“Far Mor”) of Anna, Margaret, Eric, and Jack; sister of the late Rudolph (Anne and the late Hazel) Sasko; and the aunt, cousin, and great friend of many.
Private interment took place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois. A Celebration of Life is tentatively scheduled on July 1.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to United Lutheran Church in Oak Park are appreciated.
