Donald Gutzmer

Donald R. Gutzmer, 68, of West Chicago, passed away in Arizona, on his birthday, February 14th, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his high school sweetheart, Roxane, nee Thompson; his children Cynthia (Lars) Pedersen, Michelle (Kevin) Vogt and Brian; grandchildren Colton, Chase and Cashton Vogt, Arden, Ava and Elle Pedersen; sister Jackie (late Mike) Wlezen, brothers Bob and Ron; sister in law Christine (Raymond) Fawkes, brother in laws Matthew (Donna) Thompson and Mark (Michele) Thompson; nieces and nephews Matt (Alison) Wlezen, Andrew (Brandy) Wlezen, Craig (Andrzelika) Gutzmer, Gail (Doug) Beckman, Jenny (John) Reisinger, Mindy (Jeff) Moore, Chelsea (Robert) Riesling, Max Thompson, Ben and Sam Fawkes, Bethany (Johnny) Marin and Nicholas Thompson. Don was a generous, handy, easy going, simple, hard working, physically active, loyal, funny and very organized man. Don gave of his time and talents to everyone. Don would always say, "no problem" when asked to help someone or solving an issue. You knew it would be done right when Don did it. He could fix anything and build anything - all self taught. He couldn't sit still and always had multiple projects going. He was active in the Boy Scouts. He kayaked, enjoyed scuba diving, camping, biking and family vacations. Winters in Arizona were spent with friends playing competitive horse shoes and hiking the hills of Arizona to stay in shape. He still enjoyed getting up and down the court with the younger guys in a weekly basketball league. He worked hard and played hard. He will be missed by many. Visitation Friday, February 26th, 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory 950 South Bartlett Rd. (at Stearns Rd.) Bartlett. Funeral Saturday 9:15 am prayers for family only (friends please meet at Resurrection Church). Mass 10:00 am. Interment Assumption Cemetery.

Some people have asked if there is a charity we would like to have donations sent to in Don’s name. The cost of some cancer meds are astronomical. The website www.healthwellfoundation.org is a place that gives donated money as grants to pay for specialty pharmacy drugs. In Don’s case you can specify for renal cell carcinoma. If you scroll down the page there is a section to enter in memory of....Don Gutzmer. Thank you for all the support, prayers and love everyone has given.