Jessica P. Gust

MOUNT HOREB- Jessica Pauline Gust, age 29, of Mount Horeb lost her life on Thursday, May 13, 2021. She was born on May 1, 1992 in Madison, Wis., to Tim and Kelly Gust. Jessica was a graduate of Mount Horeb High School class of 2010. A natural athlete, Jessica was a fierce competitor and excelled at an early age in basketball and softball. In youth basketball she'd shoot free throws as far back from the line as she could so as to not break the backboard (Jessica was many things, but you'll notice that I haven’t, and I won't be calling her gentle at any point in this obituary). She played softball all year on very talented traveling teams. On the field she was adored by her teammates and admired by many, especially her brother. Her athletic feats even extended beyond organized sports. There were times when one of her and her brother's many impromptu wrestling matches ended with her victorious, which I'm told puts her many other athletic accomplishments to shame. (Author's note: She'd usually make me laugh too much so I'd let her win, but I'm sure she'd debate that). Jessica loved to care for others and wanted children for as long as I can remember. Her dreams came true and she had two beautiful daughters that dominated her life in her later years. She loved them as only a mother could. Her days were spent loving and nurturing them: taking them to the park, teaching them how flowers grow, making arts and crafts, coloring, monitoring their backyard shenanigans, and doing anything she could to see them smile. She also developed a love for art, books, music, and poetry - often writing poems of her own and drawing pictures for her daughters in her free time. She was a fiercely loving soul with a genuine and infectious laugh, smile, and persona. She was a loving mother, sister, and daughter who will be missed dearly. In addition to her parents, Jess leaves behind two daughters, Jamesynn (5) and Jaelynn (3); a brother, Bryce; and numerous family and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Jack and Joyce. Unfortunately, Jessica's life included the use of opioids. Early in her life Jessica experimented with Oxycontin, and later became addicted to heroin. Jessica was a strong woman and a devoted mother, but her addiction permanently altered the way she was able to think and perceive the world. She battled her opioid addiction for over 10 years, successfully completing rehab multiple times. She continued to battle each day, but in the end her addiction claimed her life all too soon. Some people may think an overdose is a peaceful death, but I assure you it is not. In the end Jessica went down fighting. She did not want to leave this world, but with heroin you are always in a battle for your life. Any little mistake can be your last. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please hang in there. You CAN do it. Never give up and know that you are loved. In an effort to support her daughters and her family during this hard time please consider a donation to the Jessica Gust Memorial Fund. This can be done online at www.gofundme.com\f\jessi-j or via cash or check addressed to the Jessica Gust Memorial Fund, 2882 N. Pleasant View Road, Apt. 202, Middleton, WI 53562. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com . Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb Funeral & Cremation Care 500 N. Eighth St. (608) 437-5077