Gayle Karen (Carlson) Mohs Obituary (1939 - 2025)

Gayle Karen (Carlson) Mohs, 86, of Gig Harbor, Washington, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025. Born on July 13, 1939, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Gayle dearly loved her life in Gig Harbor, yet her Minnesota roots and Scandinavian heritage remained central to who she was. Gayle was the beloved mother of Dr. Julie Ann Gustanski of Gig Harbor, WA, Chris (Amie) Gustanski of Maple Grove, MN, and son-in-law Bill Wardell of North St. Paul, MN; loving stepmother to Randy (Linda) Mohs, Bryan (Sherry) Mohs, and Jeffrey (Cheryl) Mohs; and grandmother to Jordan (Jayme) Wardell, Whitney Wardell, Ariel Gustanski (Christopher Barker), Dalton Wardell, and Franni Gustanski. She is also survived by four great-grandchildren, many relatives and dear friends, all of whom held a special place in her heart. She is preceded in death by husband, Bernard “Bernie” Mohs, former husband, Walter Gustanski, daughter Jodi Michelle (Gustanski) Wardell, parents Vallie Julius Carlson and Igerna (Baker) Carlson, and siblings Deanna Carlson and Val James Carlson. Guided by compassion, levity, and faith, Gayle built a life defined by service, creativity, and unwavering love. She began her professional journey as radiology nurse before discovering a passion for the beauty industry. As a cosmetologist, salon owner, and eventually manager of a chain of Florida salons, she touched countless lives with her skill, kindness, and humor. A gifted artist, Gayle found great joy in rosemaling—the traditional Norwegian folk art form she both practiced and taught. Preserving this cultural art was important to her, and her beautiful pieces will remain meaningful keepsakes by those lucky enough to have received them. Faith was the foundation of Gayle’s life. Raised Lutheran and later embracing the Catholic Church, she served as a CCD teacher at the Church of St. Peter while raising her young family. After moving to Florida in 1986, she continued her commitment to service through volunteer work with the Minnreg Veterans Association, the local library, and two decades of active involvement in Beta Sigma Phi. Gayle will be remembered for her unwavering love for family and friends, passion for great food and cooking, sharp sense of humor, special fondness for Ole & Lena jokes, and her generous heart. Her creativity, kindness, and deep faith shaped a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. In the mid-1980s, Gayle moved to Florida to manage a salon chain, where serendipity led to meeting neighbors Betty and Bernie, also from Minnesota. This chance encounter blossomed into lifelong friendship. Following Betty’s passing, Gayle and Bernie remained the best of friends and later married. After retirement they returned to Minnesota and spent 26 happy years together, enjoying life, family and friends. Their bond, shared laughter, and adventures were a treasured chapter in Gayle’s life. A gathering of family and friends will be held in July 2026 to honor Gayle’s wishes and celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Breast Cancer Foundation, causes close to her heart.