Walt Gutowski Sr. Obituary
Origianlly Published MLIVE
GUTOWSKI, MR. WALTER D. SR. Grand Rapids Mr. Walter D. Gutowski SR., age 91 of Grand Rapids, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, December 18th, 2013. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Lorraine Gutowski (Topolski). Surviving are his children, Mary Anne (Bob) Van Bennekom, Dianne Marie (Greg) Leech, Phyllis Jean (Martin) Jones, Patricia Sue (Ed) Nozal, Walter (Amy) Gutowski Jr., Anne (John) Stanitzek, Susan Jean (Dan) Baar; grandchildren, Suzanne (John) Asman, Bob (Alice) Van Bennekom, Jennifer Vlcek, Rebecca (Jason) Wilde, Jim (Melanie) May, John (Melissa) May, Joe (Brenda) May, and Jodi May, Brian Nozal, Bradley Nozal, Jessica (Jake) Slaydon, Walter III, Samantha and Victoria Gutowski, Anissa and Ashley Stanitzek, Nicole (Mike) Durga, Jaqueline, John Gregory, Daniel Baar JR. and his 20 loving great-grandchildren. Walter, along with his partner Don Rau were the founders of Swift Printing Company and you could find him at Swift even during his time as a Hospice patient. If he wasn't at work, you could find him at the YMCA, which is just a mere 300 steps from Swift. There he enjoyed racquet ball with his buddies and at one time was ranked 11th in the country for his age bracket. Once he became a hospice patient he transitioned to the pool where he enjoyed swimming with the Women's Water Ballet group and the many school children that he encountered. He also cherished his time walking the track with his wife before she passed, and against her will, as well as the doctor's advice, he enjoyed speeding down the giant water slide on his 88th birthday. He also relished spending quality time with family at their cottage. He looked forward to going to his grandkids and his sons-in-laws' sporting events highlighted with a sloppy order of BBQ ribs and clam chowder with his six favorite daughters! He particularly enjoyed listening to his grandson play the piano and his son's band perform. He was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Church and along with his longtime friend Ray Winkler started the Men's 35 and older Catholic softball league. He and Lorraine were inducted into the first class of the Catholic Central Wall of Fame. He also received the first Distinguished Alumni Award from the Grand Rapids Public Schools and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2010 having graduated from Union High School in 1941. Walter additionally received the Grand Rapids Craftsman of the Year Award as well as the International Association of Printing House Craftsmen's Man of the Year Award for his contributions to the printing industry. But even after all these achievements he was most proud of his lifelong love, Lorraine Mary, of which he is now reunited with just in time to celebrate Christmas together. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 2 PM at St. Anthony of Padua Church 2510 Richmond NW, where he will repose one hour prior to the mass. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Sunday 2 to 4 PM and 7 to 9 PM at the Arsulowicz Brothers Mortuary West, 585 Stocking Ave. NW where Walt's tradition of passing out apples will continue as we are sure he is doing in heaven. Memorial contributions to the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids Walt Gutowski SR. Golf Outing benefiting the Strong Kids Campaign, Faith Hospice or the Franciscan Life Process Center will be appreciated.
