Edward M. Gutschenritter

Edward Martin Gutschenritter, age 71 years of Niles, Michigan; brother, uncle, devout Catholic, and explorer died peacefully on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at his home, unexpectedly, but of natural causes.

He was born on July 8, 1953 at the former Pawating Hospital (now Corewell Lakeland Niles) in Niles to Victor M. and June L. (Johnston) Gutschenritter, and has lived in Niles all of his life. He was graduated from Niles High School, and earned a bachelors degree in environmental science from the former Ferris State College (now University) in Big Rapids, Michigan. He was employed for more than 30 years by the City of Niles Utilities Department as an operator in the wastewater treatment plant.

Ed was a lifelong member of the Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Niles, and a member of the Knights of Columbus Father Allouez Council #708 in Niles. He was also a member of the Bend of the River Conservation Club in Niles, and enjoyed hunting in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. He was a certified SCUBA diver and member of a local diving club that sponsored annual trips to international diving locations, and was scheduled to head-out with the club on the week of his death. When younger, he was certified as a Private Aircraft Pilot, and had played hockey with a local adult league. He also played in a golf league at Brookwood Golf Course in Buchanan.

 For over 35 years, Ed enjoyed annual week-long trips to New Hampshire, where he hiked, canoed, waterskied, and spent time with many friends who he had met there. He enjoyed pets, and always had a dog, usually a Husky. His family was always close, and important.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vic and June Gutshenritter, and by his last pet, Serge.

Surviving family includes his brothers, James L. (& Shirley J.) Gutschenritter of Warner Robins, Georgia, Stephen M. (& Margaret A.) Gutschenritter of Frankfort, Illinois, and David J. (& Amy H.) Gutschenritter of Wayland, Massachusetts; and by several nieces and nephews of two generations.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Edward Gutschenritter on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mary Catholic Church, 203 South Lincoln Street in Niles by the Rev. Christian Johnston, assisted by Deacon Roger Gregorski, both of the parish. Committal Rites will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, February 28, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles, with Recitation of The Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Contributions in memory of Ed Gutschenritter may be made to the Christian Service Center, 322 Clay Street, Niles, Michigan 49120; https://stmarysniles.org/ministries. Memories and condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Ed loved life and the world around him. He explored diving beneath the seas, hiking through the woods while hunting, and from above as a pilot. Even his vocation protected the environment. He was faithful to the church through which he knew the Creator of all that he explored, and he loved his family; all evidence of fulfilling the command to love God and love people.