Dennis Gutzmer

Dennis "Butch" Gutzmer, age 60, of Fergus Falls, died Monday, November 5, 2007, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. Butch was born on March 26, 1947 in Breckenridge, Minnesota to Otto and Martha (Doleshy) Gutzmer. He grew up attending several area schools including Elbow Lake, Campbell and Barrett. He served in the US Army from September 1966 to October of 1968 including a tour in Vietnam. Following his return from the military he worked for Bilden Livestock as well as West Central Turkeys. Many people remember the years he worked for the Stockman's Bar and the Corner Bar. On May 17th, 1991 he married Barb Degner in Sisseton, South Dakota. Together they have made their home in Fergus Falls. For the past several years Butch has been living at the Minnesota Veterans Home here in town. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Butch enjoyed auctions, dealing in antiques, cattle, horses and an occasional trip to the casino. Throughout the years he has remained a fan of the Green Bay Packers. Preceding him in death were his parents; his grandson, Cody Link; and two brothers: Eugene Gutzmer and Pete Gutzmer. He is survived by his wife, Barb; daughters: Tina (Duane) Iverson of West Fargo, ND, and Steph (Todd) Bartell of Norcross, MN; a son, Tim (Roberta) Gutzmer of Brandon, Wisconsin; 3 sisters: Ruth Ostern of Wahpeton, ND, Lee Walker of Bismarck, ND, and Carol Deaton of Portland, OR; two brothers: Richard Gutzmer of Breckenridge and John Gutzmer of Fergus Falls; his in-laws, Carole and Elmer Degner of Wausau, Wisconsin; three sisters-in-law: Wendy (Glenn) Gohdes of Wausau, Wisconsin, Cindy (Chris) Thomas of Rhinelander, Wisconsin and Lisa (Blake) Burger of Wausau, Wisconsin; as well as eight grandchildren: Ashley, Heather, Brady, Amanda, Andrew, Atlantah, Lexi, and Parker. Visitation: 2 - 4:30 p.m. Thursday with a 4:15 p.m. prayer service at the MN Veterans Home with Chaplain Greg Hayek, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Service: 7 p.m. Thursday at Grace United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Daren Flinck Interment: First United Church of Christ Cemetery, Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com