Deseret News | Family trip to Wyoming ends tragically

Reader comments
Family trip to Wyoming ends tragically

Anonymous | 5:30 p.m. Feb. 27, 2009

Mom,
I love you and will always think of you. I can't believe it was now but I know that you were the most perfect mother on earth and you will be here all my life and here with the family. I love you and grandma and grandpa. Take care of them also. We all look forward to the day we get to see you again. We love you.
The family

So sorry | 5:44 p.m. Feb. 27, 2009

My heart goes out to your family. God bless you with comfort and strength.

Anonymous | 5:48 p.m. Feb. 27, 2009

I feel so broken-hearted for you all - your family is in my prayers!

Comments continue below

Iris Sloan | 5:49 p.m. Feb. 27, 2009

Luanne is one of my all-time favorite people, and just the thought of her not here is so painful! Our love and prayers and our sorrow go out to Eric and the children. Your mom is not far away, and that's a fact. Love you all. So sorry about Eric's parents also.

JT | 6:29 p.m. Feb. 27, 2009

Hope you are able to work everything out and everyone heals ok... God bless you!

Kirsten | 7:58 p.m. Feb. 27, 2009

The Gustafson family always made me feel like a part of their family and I will always be grateful for that. I'm so sorry you guys. I know that Luanne and Eric's parents are in a better place and they miss you guys. I will miss them very much.

Love, Kirsten

Jennie Durham | 8:58 p.m. Feb. 27, 2009

We are all in shock at the news of this tragedy and trial. How much I have loved LuAnned and I am so grateful to her for her friendship over the years. I am forever grateful to her for teaching me to play the piano. My prayers are with the Gustafson family and will continue to be forever.

Katelyn Gustafson | 9:33 p.m. Feb. 27, 2009

Thank you everyone fo the support we needed this right now. My family is extremely thankful for all of your support. We will miss grandma nad grandpa and LuAnne. Thanks again for everything!

Your cousin Steven | 9:55 p.m. Feb. 27, 2009

My cousins, I am very sorry to hear about your loss. My heart is heavy for you for as you know I too know what it is like to be in this world without parents. It is a very tough thing but hold on and be strong because those who are gone would expect nothing less and now their stregnth is yours to carry with you. Cherish their memories and move forward, breathing new life into your families and the world around you as though the ones who are gone are right there beside you. Because believe me....they are.

All my love to all of you!

"What we do in life...echoes in eternity."

Sandy Sofoifa | 10:13 p.m. Feb. 27, 2009

Sweet darling family. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you now and will be, always. I love you all!

Kari Stout Hain ( Zeeman) | 10:52 p.m. Feb. 27, 2009

I am so brokenhearted over the loss of these three wonderful people. I ache for Eric and his daughters going on in this life without their wife and mother. I am so sorry that the road was icy and the weather/temperatures were bad. Wyoming has always been a scary place to drive in the winter.
I love you Eric and all the Gustafsons and Birklands and Engh's. Losing Luanne, Diane and Jarret is a huge loss. I hope the Lord will be with you and comfort you during this tremendously difficult time.

Eric and Denise Engh | 12:09 a.m. Feb. 28, 2009

We are so sorry to hear about this. Our hearts go out to all of you on this very trying time. We have very fond memories of all the great times we had with your family at the Homestead as well as many other times growing up. May you all be comforted at this very difficult time. God Bless

Sarah, Elyssa's friend | 7:02 a.m. Feb. 28, 2009

Elyssa, and the rest of the family, I am soo very sorry for the loss, all I did yesterday was cry and pray for you guys to be ok. All I could think about yesterday was you guys. I am always going to pray and think about you guys. Love, Sarah Davis

William W, Holmes | 8:08 a.m. Feb. 28, 2009

When my daughter Gayle called me about this accident and Luanne's death I was saddened and feel so sad for her husband and the three girls. Since I haven't seen Luanne in years my thoughts went back in time to her early years when I knew her as a young girl and teenager. Having her sweet spirit in our church activities and especially our numerous youth conferences, what a great spirit she had, she livened up the room when she was around you. Eric I know your loss as I lost my wife and had four children to raise. My heart goes out to you and your girls. I also send my feelings to Luanne's mother Lona Mae and here daughters. May the spirit of the Lord bless you in your sorrow. Love from use.

Jessica Barfuss Tidwell | 8:31 a.m. Feb. 28, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss. LuAnne is a wonderful person. I loved going to your house for piano lessons and am so grateful to LuAnne for what she taught me. May the Lord be with you in this trying time.

CEP | 8:38 a.m. Feb. 28, 2009

We are so sorry for your tremendous loss. We love you guys and are grateful we were priveledged to cross the path's of the Gustafson's and Birkland's on Our Journey. Their life's example to us is never too far out of sight.

A more humble and decent family this world has never seen. May the Lord's comforting spirit abide with all of you at this time.

Speaking for the group known as the "Dirty Dozen"
our hearts are broken with you.

CEP

Danny, Marqui and Bev Smith | 8:42 a.m. Feb. 28, 2009

We were all extremely saddened to hear about this tragic accident. LuAnne was always smiling and made basketball so fun for all of us, before Jordan and all the way through to senior year. She never had a bad word to say about anyone. She gave her time and talents to the girls and team without ever expecting anything in return. I will always remember what a great, great person she was. Our condolences go out to Eric, Izzy and family for the loss of these wonderful people. You are in our prayers.

Debi Tabor | 9:25 a.m. Feb. 28, 2009

I can not state it more beautifuly than your cousin Steven. I add my testimony to his that I know our loved ones are their. Feel it and charish it. It is part of what gets you through. Anonymous, we admire your strenth. Our love and prayers are with you.

John, Linda & Dani Peterson | 10:42 a.m. Feb. 28, 2009

We are so sorry for your loss! We enjoyed getting to know your wonderful family on the soccer sidelines and in the basketball stands. There was no better cheerleader than LuAnne! She was always so exuberant and supported every girl on the team. Our hearts and prayers go out to Izzy, Eric and the rest of this beautiful family. May the Lord bless you with peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Starsky | 10:44 a.m. Feb. 28, 2009

No friend has ever been kinder, more loving, more understanding, more compassionate, non-judgmental, or lived a more Christlike life than my dear friend, LuAnne Gustafson. For decades of joy, laughter, memories, emotions and friendship I will always cherish - Thank You LuAnne.
For the kids and Eric - we will go on....lets make her proud as she watches and guides from above.

The Maddex's | 11:59 a.m. Feb. 28, 2009

Gustafson's; We have been quite shaken to hear about the accident and loss of LuAnne and Eric's parents. The twelve years we spent as next door neighbors on Albury Drive remain as very fond memories of all of the Gustafsons. You were, are and will remain to be a wonderful family. Our hearts are with you at this time of loss and mourning please accept our deepest sympathies and most warm rememberances of your loved ones.
Bill, Linda, Billy, Matt and Erin Maddex

Anonymous | 12:34 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

I know two families who lost multiple family members in the same car accident, including the mother and two children. I worried so much for these families and I am glad to say that they are healing from this unimagineable grief. time will make things a little easier and also bring you one day closer to your glorious reunion. The surviving kids who were teens at the time, have grown up, married well and started families of their own which has brought tremendous comfort to their widowed father. Life does go on, never the same, but it can be good again. I hope you realize this and find great peace and comfort until you are ultimately reunited.

Colleen and Owen Stout and Famil | 12:36 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

Dear Loved ones, Our hearts are broken and heavy at this great loss of precious family members. We cannot know how hard this must be to lose parents or grandparents,and a wonderful mother. We loved you all dearly. You were always sunshine in our lives. Dear Diane, I knew you as a new baby and tended you. Our love to you all, and know that you are in our prayers and tears. May you feel the comfort of the Holy Ghost in your lives.

Diana John Oaks | 1:17 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

When I heard about this tragedy, I was so sad. I haven't seen LuAnne in years, but I have so many memories from being in the same ward. I was a few years younger than she was, but she was always such a good example - so kind and good, and with such a beautiful voice. I recall aspiring to be like her on many occasions. May the Lord bless your family with comfort and peace during this time of sorrow. Please accept my heartfelt condolences - you will be in my prayers.

Suzanne Mart | 2:25 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

LuAnn wore so many different hats wife, mother musician, volunteer and friend. Eric, LuAnn was so proud of you she would always offer your services when we needed a firefighter demonstration or a conductor class. Mother, LuAnn Loved being your mother my last chat with her was about Elyssa and her beautiful voice, LuAnn beamed. Musician, Willow Canyon was so fortunate that she shared her musical talent not just in her childrens classes but with the whole school many children learned to love music because of LuAnn. Volunteer, LuAnn was the best, as a faculty we all will be out Monday morning helping the children cross the road. LuAnn did this every morning without fail. Last, she was my friend I could always count on her to visit with me and we would share a good laugh. LuAnn leaves a huge void in our community it's a better place because of her. My deepest sympathy Suzanne

The Hendersons | 2:26 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and are mourning along with you. We are here for you. With our deepest symphaties, John, Julie, Parker, Lauren & Emily

susie steenblik | 2:42 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

Sweet Gustafson Family....... I am so sorry to hear about your loss at this time and I want you to know that you're in my thoughts and prayers. I ADORED LuAnne and enjoyed working with her on many PTA boards. I never heard you're precious mom say one unkind word about anyone and being around her truly made me want to be a better person. She gave so much of her time and talents to our community and she will definitely be missed by all. Peace and Blessings xoxoxoxo Susie Steenblik

Rose Koskimaki | 6:15 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

To the Gustafson Family....Please accept my deepest condolences. I am so sorry for your loss.
LuAnne was a wonderful person in many ways. She was the most giving person and we are all so fortunate for having known her.
Eric, I am so sorry for the loss of your parents.
Elise, Izzy, Elaura, Chris, and Elyssa, I hope that we can all help you through this very difficult time.

Love, Mrs.K.

The Haertels | 8:05 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

Eric and kids, we love your famly so much and send you our deepest condolences. LuAnne was such a wonderful person. Our prayers are with you at this time. We remember fondly basketball and soccer, teh snowcone machine and the cotton candy maker!

Robert Jones | 8:38 p.m. Feb. 28, 2009

Elise Gustafson is one of my good friends, and I was regretably informed of the tragic news just yesterday. I have had the privelage of singing with Elise in the Orem Institute Chorale; and this just wrenches my heart. She was engaged to be married, and This is the worst news to get, just before the big day. My heart and prayers go out to this wonderful family. God bless all of you. -Robert

Anonymous | 7:47 a.m. March 1, 2009

What a tragedy! i don't know your family but you'll be in our thoughts and prayers. It sounds like you've been given many happy memories of wonderful people and those wll ese the pain somewhat during the coming months and years. life will not be the same without your loved ones but it can continue to be wonderful. My condolences to each of you.

Michi (Germany) | 11:45 a.m. March 1, 2009

To the Gustafson Family, especially K & T....Please accept my deepest sympathy. I am so sorry for your loss. Eventhough I only spent a few days of my life with Grandma G and Grandpa G when I stayed with their daughter K's family a couple of years ago I have loved them just as much as I love my own grandparents. They were a loving and caring couple... May God bless you all! I'll be with you in thoughts on Thursday...
Love Michi

Stephanie Carlquist Nicholson | 3:11 p.m. March 1, 2009

Dear Gustafsons-my parents, Steve & Iris Carlquist lived next door to your family
for years. We are so sorry to hear this news.We will be thinking of you often in the cpming days. Ray, Stephanie & Ellie Nicholson

Candace Miyake | 3:57 p.m. March 1, 2009

Dearest Gustafson Family,
Words can't express the sorrow I feel over your loss. LuAnne was an exceptional individual who left this world a better place with all of her acts of goodwill and kindness. It was a priviledge to have known her.
You, as a family, were the light of her life. She was and continues to be so proud of each and everyone of you.
Grandpa and Grandma Gustafson, although I didn't know them, must have been exceptional also, because look at the son they have raised. Such a kind and wonderful man.
Eric, you and your children are in my prayers. Your family is thought of so highly, and we, as a community, mourn with you at this time. I am so sorry.
Always,
Candace Miyake

Marva Dansie Beck | 5:11 p.m. March 1, 2009

Dear Gustafson Family: Our hearts go out to you. Diane and I were lifelong friends and were bridesmaids at each others' weddings 50+ years ago. Our prayers are with all of you at this time.

Marva Dansie Beck
St. Petersburg, FL

Jayne Steenblik & Family | 9:35 p.m. March 1, 2009

Gustufson Family, We were deeply saddened to hear of the sudden loss of your mother and grandparents. Luanne was a "cheerleader" for us all. She was one of the first who warmly welcomed me to Willow Canyon two years ago. She has been a trooper every morning directing traffic no matter the weather. Her fingers would "fly" across the piano when accompanying choir. In addition to Willow Canyon, she gave great support to the music department at Jordan High, greatly appreciated by our son Peter. We adored her. She always brought a smile, a laugh and a willingness to work. What energy! Luanne will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Trish Postma Lay | 7:59 a.m. March 2, 2009

LuAnne was my piano teacher and young women advisor about 20+ years ago just after they had moved to Sandy. I loved her and she had a tremendous impact on my life. She will really be missed. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you during this hard time.

Preston and Melissa Christensen | 3:33 p.m. March 2, 2009

I was so saddened to hear the news of Luann's death. I served with LuAnne as her first counselor when she was Primary President. We moved away from that area about six years ago and we missed her and her beautiful family. She was an inspiration to me as a Young Mother just starting out. She was always there for me, and always had a listening ear. Words cannot describe how much we will miss her and how much we are praying for Eric and his children. She was the true description of someone who served those around her unconditionally. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Natalie Hanks Snow | 7:29 p.m. March 2, 2009

I knew LuAnne as a young girl and teenager and she taught me piano, and I even babysat some of her cute girls when they were so so little -- what an amazing woman. Always so happy, helpful, and incredibly busy and productive. I am so sorry for your temporary loss as a family.

Pam and Kelvin | 10:05 a.m. March 3, 2009

We spent many years at basketball events with LuAnne and Eric watching our daughters play. LuAnne was a tireless supporter and they have raised a family of outstanding and talented children. We are so sorry for the loss of LuAnne and Eric parents. We will always hear LuAnne's voice cheering "Steal the ball".
You are all in our thoughts.
Pam and Kelvin

CBS | 7:20 a.m. March 4, 2009

So Sorry for you lost.You are in my prayers at this time.

Hannah,Elyssa's friend | 3:59 p.m. May 11, 2009

I'm sorry for your loss. It is very hard going through it. I've gone through it before. LuAnne is in are hands.

Tuntun Hadiat (BandungIndonesia) | 6:05 a.m. May 29, 2009

Dear Gustafson Family..

I am so sorry to hear about this,...kind a late cause I thought she's busy as usual. Leslie Anderson let me know this.

Thank you very much LuAnne,..I'll always remember you..

My prayers are with the Gustafson family and will continue to be forever. God Bless you all.

best rgds,

Tuntun Hadiat

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