We are with heavy hearts to announce the death of Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend, Don Gutzke. He passed away peacefully at the age of 92, surrounded by family.
Don was born in Coldspring, MN. on Oct. 25th, 1930, to Otto and Suzanne Gutzke. His family included 5 children: Mavis, Lorraine, Albert, Geraldine. Don moved to HL when he was 10 years old, with his family. Don lived in town, he attended Howard Lake High School. He participated and lettered in Football, Basketball and Baseball. He was a true athlete, and Baseball was his passion. The Howard Lake Orphan’s being the centerpiece of that love.
Don and Colleen met in Howard Lake and were married in 1956. They moved to Minneapolis and Don enrolled at the MN School of Business, after graduation he started his career at Dayton’s. Another true love of his life, as we all know from his many stories from those days. He was a Dayton’s Exec. Director of Operations, and he was part of a team that helped kick off the Target Corporation. During the 70’s the family lived in St Louis Park and Tracy and Dean were born. The family was feeling the pull of the Howard Lake life so they returned to HL. Don drove to Mpls each day for work. He and Colleen were Viking season ticket holders all the years of the Met Stadium days. When the Vike’s moved to the Metrodome, Don never saw another live Vikings football game. To quote him…“I do not watch football with a roof over my head!”
The PGL was a place of happy days and great memories. Don and his family created a place to spend the summers in the mid 60’s thru the 70’s. This place had a meticulous yard which included a mini golf course, pool, outdoor sound system and a remodeled farmhouse that housed many of our family and friends over the years. There were many cold beverages and good times!
Don retired in 1980. In retirement he we very busy. Spent many winters visiting family and friends in California. Don Loved yard work. He kept a perfect lawn in the summer, and in the winter a driveway free of snow. He enjoyed golfing, spending time “chewing the fat” at the Drugstore coffee sessions, “putsing” in his backroom. He spent summers working at the HL Legion ball field, attending Baseball Games. The HL Orphan’s and the Winsted Wildcats were his favorites. Don was inducted into the North Star Baseball Hall of fame in 1998. Any time he could spend with his friends and family were always the best.
Don fell ill to dementia in 2020. Colleen was the primary caregiver for many months until he was moved to the Glen in Buffalo. Don lived out his final stage of life at the Glen where he got excellent care and we met many good friends. We are BEYOND thankful for our Glen Family!!
Don was loved by his family and friends, and he loved all of them back in his own way. He always had a strong opinion on things if you agreed or not. He was a great person, he will be sincerely missed.
There will be services held in Howard Lake at St. James Lutheran church. December 9,2022. Visitation at 1:00. Service at 2:00. Lunch follows at the Church school fellowship hall across the street.
Please join us at the Howard Lake legion afterwards to raise a glass. Bring with you all your good Don stories.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to;
The Glen Memory Care
On behalf of the Don Gutzke Family
201 1st St NE, Buffalo, MN 55313
-OR-
The Alzheimer’s Association
On behalf of the Don Gutzke Family
Thank you, the Gutzke family
Arr. by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Howard Lake, 320-543-3401, www.swansonpeterson.com