Colleen Eva Gutzke, age 88, of Howard Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025. She was born on May 13, 1937, in Howard Lake, Minnesota, to Walter and Amelia Prigge. Colleen was the last of the Prigge family line, carrying forward her family’s love, strength, and faith through her life and the generations that followed.
Colleen was united in marriage to Don Gutzke, and together they shared 67 wonderful years of love and devotion. Don preceded her in death on December 1, 2022.
Colleen was a gift to all who knew her. Her warm heart, kind spirit, and unwavering faith touched countless lives. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend — and an amazing chocolate chip cookie maker who shared sweetness and joy with everyone she met.
She is survived by her daughter, Tracy Burlow (Mark Stein); her son, Dean Gutzke (Michelle); and her cherished grandchildren, Luke Burlow, Evelyn Gutzke, and Colleen Gutzke. She will also be dearly missed by many other family members and friends who were blessed to know her.
Colleen’s life was guided by faith, love, and kindness. She will be remembered for her strength, compassion, and the light she brought into the lives of others.
Colleen spent the last eight months of her life at StoneBay of Orono, where she was surrounded by care, comfort, and kindness. She met many great new friends and the entire staff took the very best care of her, and her family will be forever grateful for their love and dedication.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 3:00 PM. Both will take place at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake, Minnesota. A reception will follow in the church school basement. Arrangements are entrusted to Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Howard Lake.
Memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association or St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake, in Colleen’s honor.
She will remain forever in our hearts
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04