Obituaries

April 19, 1937 to August 22, 2023

FRANCESVILLE - Robert P. “Bob” Gutwein, 86, of Francesville, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 22, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Rensselaer.

He was born April 19, 1937 in Francesville to the late Clarence P. and E. Jane [Snedeker] Gutwein. He graduated from Francesville High School in 1955 and was a proud member of the sectional championship basketball team that year. In 1956, he married Lois R. Ramey and they had two daughters. On April 3, 1976, he married Madge [Arnett] Allen. She passed away Sept. 21, 2022.

Bob Gutwein

He is survived by:
Kim (Blake) Wuethrich, Noblesville, Daughter
Kristy (Cary) Hoffman, DeMotte, Daughter
Donnie (Kay) Allen, Francesville, Son
Marsha (Jim) Minkert, Monticello, Daughter
14 Grandchildren – Tiara (Bill) Fairchild, Blair (Ryan) O’Reilly, Shawna (Cory) Reed, Nicolle (Danny) Legere, Dan (Holly) Nannenga, Sean Nannenga, Mandy Hoffman, Sara (Josh) Garcia, Wes Allen, Luke (Abby) Allen, Jordan (Elizabeth) Allen, Jeremy (Alexis) Minkert, Brooke (Jonas) Burgett, and McKinsey Minkert.
25 Great-Grandchildren
Donald (Judy) Gutwein, Phoenix, AZ, Brother
Richard (Pat) Gutwein, Phoenix, AZ, Brother
Douglas (Mary Lew) Gutwein, Cary, NC, Brother
Sharon Gutwein, Ankeny, IA, Sister-in-law
Helen Fay (Allyn) Onken, Francesville, Sister-in-law
Marvin (Lola) Arnett, Wheatfield, Brother-in-law
Orben Ritchie, Wheatfield, Brother-In-Law
Freeda Arnett, Medaryville, Sister-In-Law
Many nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by:
Craig Allen, Son
Miles W. Allen, Great-Grandson
Ronald Gutwein, Brother
Elsie Ritchie, Sister-in-law
Tom Arnett, Brother-in-law

Mr. Gutwein was a member of the Francesville First Christian Church and was a faithful Christian man who loved serving others and singing in the church choir. He was a longtime member of the Francesville Lion’s Club and Francesville Volunteer Fire Department. He had previously served on the Francesville Town Board. He enjoyed playing golf, especially playing in league at Moss Creek. He and Madge also enjoyed golfing trips with their friends. He was always a hard worker and a true entrepreneur. He co-founded Francesville Tire Company (FTC) and Blue Sea Blueberry Farms. Most recently, he was the owner and operator of Family Tree Company, also known as FTC. (He always said this was so he didn’t have to get new stationary.) He loved his family very much, especially spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 25, at Francesville First Christian Church; and one hour prior to services at the church Saturday. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 26, at the church with Pastor James Ketchen officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to Francesville First Christian Church.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville.