Robert Lee Gutermuth Sr., “Bob,” 88, of Fruitland Park, FL, formerly Gainesville, passed away June 4th, 2018; surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 11, 1929 in Kenosha Wisconsin, to Susan Bertha (Leipzig) and Harry Conrad Gutermuth, he was the oldest of 3 children.
A man of many words, family and friends will remember Bob for his extreme kindness, generosity and wry sense of humor. Bob didn’t know a stranger and touched the hearts and lives of all he would meet, all of whom he considered his friends.
Bob enjoyed a childhood in Pennsylvania and entered the Army-Air Corps in 1947, serving his country during the Occupation of Japan. Upon return from his military service in 1951, he met and married Gloria Ann Krase, and together they had and raised 8 children. Bob was a devout Catholic and raised his children to follow the teachings of Christ, as he led their faith by example.
Bob is survived by his children Lisa Jo (Robert) Heiderman of Fish Creek Wi; Susan Denise (Richard) Polangin of Tallahassee, FL; Robert Lee (Sherry) Gutermuth of St Charles, Mo; Jeanine Kimberly (Charles) Russell of Albany Ky; Mary Theresa Templeton (Bill Ponko) of Fruitland Park FL; Annemarie Juliette (Bryan) Hooper of Citrus Springs, FL; and Stephanie Louise (Thomas) Glass of Crystal River, FL. Bob is also survived by sister Carol Grimes of Homosassa, 19 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; 8 nieces, 2 nephews and former wife and mother of all his children, Gloria Johnson of Galesburg, IL. Bob was preceded in death by his son, Erich John Gutermuth; a brother Harry Gutermuth; Parents Susan Gutermuth, and Harry Conrad Gutermuth, and his uncle George Gutermuth.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 6, between 6 – 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Beyers Funeral Home, 1123 W Main St, Leesburg, FL. A Catholic funeral mass will be held on Thursday June 7 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church at 1330 Sunshine Ave, Leesburg, FL., followed by burial, with military honors, held at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL.
Bob said in lieu of flowers, send donations to gofundmyfuneral.com.