Donald W. Gutowski

BESSEMER, Mich. - Donald W. Gutowski, 87, of Bessemer, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020. He was surrounded by his beloved family.

Donald was born on May 6, 1932, in Bessemer, a son of John and Pauline (Mojeck) Gutowski.

Donald proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged as a private first class on Oct. 29, 1952. Donald received several decorations and citations and was a recipient of the Purple Heart.

On May 13, 1956, Donald was united in marriage to Nancy Lee Buehler in Angola, Indiana. They were blessed with four children.

He participated in and supported the Bessemer American Legion Post 27 and Bessemer Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3673.

Donald was an avid outdoorsman. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. He was a loyal fan of the Detroit Lions, Red Wings and Tigers.

He loved spending time with his family and was very proud of his grandchildren. He will be remembered as a man of few words who always took time to listen to his family and friends.

Donald worked in the smelter at White Pine Copper Mine until its closure and then was employed at the Gogebic County Sheriff's Office in animal control. For a period of time, he and his wife were the proprietors of the A&W Root Beer Stand and the Korner Kitchen, both on East U.S. 2 in Wakefield.

Donald is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Nancy; two sons, Donald C. and Matt; two daughters, Diane Rowe and Polly (Gordy) Erickson; seven cherished grandchildren, Amanda, Jeremy, Nick, Sydney, Lane, Logan and Kaylee; and numerous dear nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; a grandson, Christopher; and two brothers, Chuck and Robert.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, March 2, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 210 E. Iron St., in Bessemer, with the Rev. Dominic Agyapong, celebrant.

Following the Mass, military rites will be accorded by the Bessemer VFW Post 3673 and Bessemer American Legion Post 27 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team.

Lunch will be served at the Father Swoboda Hall at the church following the military honors.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.