Anthony 'Tony' James Gutowski

HARTLAND, Wis. - Anthony "Tony" James Gutowski, 86, passed away after a brief hospitalization for a brain injury sustained during a fall at his home in Hartland, on Monday, May 13, 2024.

He is survived directly by his wife of 62 years, Jacqueline (Jackee) Rae (nee Liimakka); their daughters, Lee and Lynn (David Randolph); their sons, Tony (Christine), Tom (Amy) and Tim (Jamie Rosman); and their seven grandchildren, Zoe Randolph, Benjamin Gutowski, Lucy Randolph, Jacek Gutowski, Ella Gutowski, Gerik Gutowski and Olivia Gutowski.

Tony was born in Ironwood, Michigan, on Oct. 7, 1937, to Edward and Ann (nee Testolin) Gutowski. He was the youngest of four children, and was preceded in death by his brother Ed, his sister Bobbie, and his brother John (Jack). He graduated from St. Ambrose High School in Ironwood and then attended college at Ferris State University.

On Nov. 25, 1961, he married his high school sweetheart, Jackee Liimakka, also of Ironwood, officially starting a love affair that would last the remainder of their lives. They moved to the greater Milwaukee area, where they stayed for the majority of the next 60 plus years. Lee was born the following August, followed by Tony, Lynn, Tom and Tim. The family moved several times, eventually settling in Genesee.

"Tony Sr" was employed for most of his adult life as a marketing executive for Old Line Life Insurance Company in downtown Milwaukee and was a highly decorated employee. His co-workers invariably became close family friends, attending childhood communions, graduations and holiday parties, and their dedication to him as a colleague, boss and partner was notable. After a long and enjoyable career that spanned working and living in greater Milwaukee, Des Moines, Iowa, and Crystal Lake, Illinois, Tony and Jackee retired happily at their home in Delafield.

Tony loved being "up north." For more than 30 years (and counting), his and Jackee's getaway spot in Hurley, has been a magnet for extended family, high school friends, grandchildren, neighbors, and whoever wandered in that wanted to have a meal, a few drinks, and many laughs. The entire family made an annual pilgrimage to Hurley each 4th of July.

Tony was notoriously hilarious and completely without pretense. He was the life of any party. He could also be introspective, read avidly and was a diligent professional. He was curious, precise, organized and sarcastic. He was handy and independent, building decks and swimming pools, finishing basements and hanging ceiling fans.

Tony both loved golf and never improved at it. Echoes of his profanity and the ensuing laughter after a missed putt will forever be heard among the hills of Eagle Bluff Golf Course in Hurley. He loved all Wisconsin sports teams and he particularly enjoyed tailgating at a Brewers game or watching the Packers at home over the holidays. A good game could always be heard on the car radio, at a cookout at the lake, or from the garage as he worked in the yard.

Tony loved his friends, who are legion, and saw them often and everywhere: from Ironwood, Michigan, to Seaside, Florida. He and Jackee hosted and visited their friends continually – packing up the SUV and hitting the road until the very last weeks of his life.

But Tony loved his family most of all – first, foremost and fiercely, his beloved Jackee, his lifelong partner. He cherished his children and grandchildren, attending their plays, recitals, games, meets and graduations. He was enormously proud of them, and they knew it.

Tony leaves behind scores of friends and family, who loved him deeply and will miss him dearly.

A memorial service is being planned for Ironwood, on Saturday, July 6. Details are still pending; contact the family for further information.