Roger (Leo) Gutzmer, 73, quietly slipped away to be with the Lord on March 31, 2011, after an unexpected battle with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. He was born on October 4, 1937, in Monroe, to Leo and Faye Gutzmer. Their first son, he was the second of ten children. Roger grew up on a ranch in Chadron, Nebraska, and a dairy farm in Monroe, Wisconsin. He graduated from Monroe Senior High School in 1954, then joined the Army for three years and became a paratrooper. After leaving the Army, he worked for Burgess Battery in Freeport, Illinois, then moved to work for Tom's Silo Service in Monroe and eventually bought the business. After many years of running his own business, he followed his son and family to Arizona and Washington. He worked with his son and best friend Greg, at Ace Electric for several years. Working was a hobby to him, so he never truly retired.
He also enjoyed spending time with his family in Washington, traveling back to Wisconsin, going to the horse races, playing cards, fishing and watching the Packers. Roger was very outgoing, with a great smile and sense of humor. Most everyone had a hello for him when he entered the room. He is now fishing in the sky with his parents, Leo and Faye, and spending time with his brothers, Jerold and Greg, and children, Alan and Roxanna.
Roger is survived by his son Greg (wife Lora), his daughter Diane (LeRoy) Blumer, grandchildren who were dear to his heart: Jimmy Gutzmer, Jessica (Nick) Suitonu, LeAnn (Will Touchette), Tanya Pitman and Analee. Great grandchildren include Kassadi and Kayden Suitonu, Landen and Eastyn Touchette, Tristan Pitman and Taliyah Pitman-Shell. Siblings: Judy (Sardeson), Marilyn (Lien), Gary, Phillip, Ronnie, Shirley (Zuhlke) and Dennis. Also many nieces, nephews, and special friend Elaine Haefer Gutzmer.
Visitation will take place on April 16, 2011, 1 p.m., at the Albany Lions Club, 402 N. Cincinnati Street, Albany, Wisconsin 53502. A service will take place there at 3:00 pm, followed by a potluck luncheon.
A memorial fund will be established.
He also enjoyed spending time with his family in Washington, traveling back to Wisconsin, going to the horse races, playing cards, fishing and watching the Packers. Roger was very outgoing, with a great smile and sense of humor. Most everyone had a hello for him when he entered the room. He is now fishing in the sky with his parents, Leo and Faye, and spending time with his brothers, Jerold and Greg, and children, Alan and Roxanna.
Roger is survived by his son Greg (wife Lora), his daughter Diane (LeRoy) Blumer, grandchildren who were dear to his heart: Jimmy Gutzmer, Jessica (Nick) Suitonu, LeAnn (Will Touchette), Tanya Pitman and Analee. Great grandchildren include Kassadi and Kayden Suitonu, Landen and Eastyn Touchette, Tristan Pitman and Taliyah Pitman-Shell. Siblings: Judy (Sardeson), Marilyn (Lien), Gary, Phillip, Ronnie, Shirley (Zuhlke) and Dennis. Also many nieces, nephews, and special friend Elaine Haefer Gutzmer.
Visitation will take place on April 16, 2011, 1 p.m., at the Albany Lions Club, 402 N. Cincinnati Street, Albany, Wisconsin 53502. A service will take place there at 3:00 pm, followed by a potluck luncheon.
A memorial fund will be established.