Together again with his sweetheart LaBerle who passed away on November 27, 1998! Wilson Charles Gutzman, age 86, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away March 20, 1999 at his son's home after enduring a courageous struggle with Alzheimer's Disease.
He was born December 17, 1912 in Salmon, Idaho to Annie Urilla Miller and John Ernest Frederick Gutzman. He was the ninth of eleven children. He married LaBerle Cook on October 11, 1941. The marriage was later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on June 8, 1955.Wilson graduated from Salmon High School and received a Bachelors of Science Degree from the University of Idaho in Forestry. He worked for the U.S. Forest Service and then spent 28 years working for the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. During World War II he served for five years in the Pacific with the U.S. Coast Guard achieving the rank of Lieutenant.
Wilson was a faithful member of the LDS Church, serving in many ward and stake callings. He served as a bishop to the Gallup, New Mexico Ward. He and LaBerle served a mission to the Cherokee Nation in Tahlaquah, Oklahoma. Upon their return they spent several years working in the Provo Temple.
Wilson taught the principles of the Gospel to his family through his example and encouraged them to follow the Lord's teachings. He was a kind and caring man with a wonderful sense of humor. He loved his family and was always there for them. Wilson enjoyed working outside in his yard and garden, loved to hunt and fish, was an avid BYU fan and loved music. Wilson's greatest source of joy was his family.
He is survived by one son: Barry Lynn Gutzman (Sherry), Provo, Utah; two daughters: Candace Hsaio (Jen-chieh), Salt Lake City; Marjean Bigelow (Dan, Jr.), Portland, OR; and one sister, LaVilla Pern, Pocatello, Idaho. He has fifteen grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, seven brothers and two sisters, and one dranddaughter. Two grandsons are serving missions in Central and South America.
Many thanks are given by his family to all who supported him and his sweetheart during the past few years of his life. Special thanks to Donna, Lisa and Michael all of IHS Home Care.
Graveside services will be held Thursday, March 25th at 11 a.m. at the East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery, 4800 No. 650 East, Provo. Friends and family may call at the Grandview Fifth Ward Chapel, at 1555 No. 1350 West Provo, Utah at 9:30 a.m. the same day.
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